Mary Ethel Smith

Mary Smith passed away quietly in the early morning of August 29, 2024, with her family surrounding her with love. She was born on September 5, 1940 in Boston, Massachusetts to Joseph and Agnes Carroll, the fifth of six children.

She attended Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in East Boston, MA where she was baptized, given first communion, and confirmation. She graduated from an all girls Catholic school, Fitton Central High School, class of 1958.

After graduation, Mary went on to work at the Navy Yard in Boston, MA. She moved to California in 1965 to help care for her sister after a car accident and continued to work for the Navy. 

While in California, she met the love of her life, John, who was stationed as a Seabee at Port Hueneme, CA. The two married on June 6, 1967, at the Chapel of Faith, Navy Base, Port Hueneme. They were then stationed in Edzell, Scotland for two years which they enjoyed and traveled throughout Europe. After Scotland, they moved back to Grand Forks, ND where they raised their family. 

Mary quickly became a Fighting Sioux fan and was a fixture at the Old Ralph. She enjoyed many road trips around the country supporting the hockey and football teams. 

Her greatest joy (most of the time) was raising her children. Mary spent summers with her family at their cabin in Minnesota where she savored sunsets, pontoon rides and playing with her grandchildren. 

Mary had a heart of service that showed up in her many volunteer roles: at the United Hospital gift shop, at her children’s schools and the funeral committee at Holy Family, among others. Her playful spirit spread joy and laughter to both close loved ones and perfect strangers.

Once her kids were grown, Mary decided to get a job at Dayton’s, Marshall Fields then Macy’s. And we are confident that she spent more than she made. Her favorite jobs were Wife, Mom and Nana.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, John Bradley Smith, daughter Carrie Higgs (Michael), grandson Wyatt, daughter Amelia Terrapin (Alan), granddaughter Ocia, son Daniel (Emily) Smith, granddaughters Vivian and Cassidy, sister Elizabeth Steele and many nieces and nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Robert, Thomas, Joseph Jr. and her sister, Sister Marilyn Carroll, SND, and twin children Ann Carroll and Gregory Ian Smith.

Visitation will take place at Amundson Funeral Home on Thursday, September 12 from 5:00-6:30PM with a Prayer Service starting at 6:30PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Friday, September 13 at 11AM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to Mass.

Mary was always generous, and contributed to many different charities. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of her.