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Mary Karen Smith

Mary Smith

MARQUETTE, MI – Mary Karen Smith, age 82, of Marquette, entered eternal life Sunday, October 6, 2019, at the Eastwood Nursing Center in the loving care of her family and caregivers of Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice

Born January 24, 1937, in Marquette, a daughter of Donald and Eileen (Ford) Kroken, Mary Karen grew up on Island Beach Road and Presque Isle remained her favorite place the rest of her life. After graduating from Graveraet High School in 1955, she worked for a time at WDMJ radio before marrying the love of her life, Raymond G. Smith, on June 2, 1956. They shared 56 years together until Ray’s death January 10, 2013. During their heyday, Ray & Mary (affectionately known to her sons’ friends as “Ma Smitty” could be found wherever a good time was to be had. Attending their sons’ Guts Frisbee Tournaments was a particular favorite, along with their hockey games and those of the Iron Rangers.

In later years, they enjoyed spending time each spring in Deerfield Beach, FL where they made many lifelong friends. Above all though, family was most important to Mary, and she got the most joy whenever family gathered together.

Mary is survived by her mother, Eileen Kroken of Marquette, sons, R. Scott (Debbie Aro Smith) of Marquette and Randall of Sturgeon Bay, WI, her granddaughter, Amber Smith of Jacksonville, FL, her sisters, Joan (Harvey) Press of Homosassa, FL and Cheryl (Doug) Garrison of Marquette, her brother, Don (Tracy) Kroken of Marquette, sisters-in-law, Joyce Koval and Penny Smith both of Marquette and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and also her much loved canine companion, Baby Doll. Mary was preceded in death by her father, Donald Kroken, her husband, Ray, her brothers-in-law, Leo Koval and Michael “Mick” Smith and many dear friends.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the caregivers at Eastwood Nursing Center and UP Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate and professional care of Mary and for the many kindnesses extended to the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter), P.O. Box 968, Marquette, MI 49855, Eastwood Nursing Center Patient Activity Fund, 900 Maas Street, Negaunee, MI 49866, or UP Hospice Foundation, 1125 W. Ridge Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, October 11, beginning at 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com