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Mary Smith
Born: 10/23/1963
Died: 4/4/2021
Age: 57
Community: Clio, MI
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SMITH, Mary - age 57, who resided in Clio, Michigan, died on Sunday, April 4, 2021. She has been cremated and will be inurned in the Walk Memories Garden at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. Due to covid concerns, a service will not be held at this time.
Youngest of 6 children, Mary was born October 23, 1963 at Flint Osteopathic Hospital, the daughter of Richard and Yaeko Smith. She lived most of her life in the Flint-Flushing area.
She had Down’s Syndrome, but this did not prevent her from living as close to a normal life as possible. Mary attended Elmer Knopf Learning Center, one of the special needs education programs of the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD). After graduation, she was fortunate to enter the Quality Living Systems (QLS), where after advancing through their tiered living and training programs, was able to live in a Flint community home with a roommate. Through the patience and perseverance of QLS, Mary succeeded for many years as a semi-independent adult.
She previously worked for 13 years as a lobby attendant at McDonald’s on Saginaw Street in Burton.
Known for her friendliness and wonderful sense of humor, Mary loved to laugh. She always purposefully or accidentally created laughter wherever she went. Many of her favorite people (or sometimes friendly strangers) were greeted with “I love you” and she truly meant it.
After a gradual neurological decline, her last years were spent at Graham ADC in Clio, under the loving and dedicated care of the outstanding staff there.
Mary is survived by four siblings: sisters, Norma (and husband Dennis Bowles, Kathy (and husband Ted McIntosh); brothers, Jim (and wife Pam Smith), Ed (and wife Sue Smith); nephews, Trent Bowles, David McGovern, and Steve McGovern; nieces, Wendy Thorington, Amy Lowell, Angie Smith and Jennie Smith; aunt, Mary Hayes of Harrison, and uncle, John Smith; cousins and a multitude of friends and acquaintances. She was preceded in death by parents, Richard and Yaeko Smith; sister, Doreen Campbell; and niece, Jamie Smith.
Heartfelt thanks to: the wonderful staff at Graham AFC - Mimi, Kelley, Crystal, Brooklyn and Garrett; the long-term coordination of care and needed assistance from New Century Support Services - especially the friendship and dedication by Jamie; and to Guardian Angels hospice who facilitated the medical care and equipment for the comfort of Mary’s last few months.
Very grateful to State of Michigan and GISD for the progressive programs and opportunities available to special needs people like Mary.
Finally, I will always and forever love you, Mary. You have always had a piece of my heart . . . sister and guardian, Norma.
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| Visitation |
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4/8/2021 |
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| Funeral Service |
| No Service |
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