Mary-Louise Smith

SMITH, MARY-LOUISE (BEMIS) Mary-Louise (Bemis) Smith, age 89, of Orange entered into rest on March 10, 2014, in her home with her loving family by her side. She was the devoted wife of the late Robert B. Smith. She was born in Boston, MA on June 25, 1924, daughter of the late Willard G. and Minnie Maebelle (Brigham) Bemis. She was a veteran serving during World War II as a pharmacist’s aide in the US Navy. Mary-Lou and her husband owned and operated the Gardenway Nurseries in Milford for many years before their retirement. She was a member and past President of the Orange Garden Club, as well as the Federated Garden Club of CT, and among her many roles she obtained the level of Master Judge. She is the beloved mother of Jacqueline E. Wilcox (the late Clark R.) of Branford, Gregory W. Smith (Nancy) of West Haven, Jeffrey A. Smith (Carolyn) of Cleveland, GA, Candice Caldwell (Jeff) of Orange, Merry-Gail Asprelli (Steve) of Orange, loving grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a brother, Frank Bemis, and a sister, Lt. Colonel Elizabeth B. Bemis, USAF Retired. Her service and burial with full military honors in the State Veteran Cemetery will be private, per Mary-Lou’s wishes. The Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby, are entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Garden Club of Orange, c/o MaryEllen Bespuda, 831 Derby-Milford Rd., Orange, CT 06477.