Mary Alice Smith, 82

July 10, 1930

Died: Jan. 19, 2013

 

Mary Alice Smith, 82, of Cassopolis, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, in Elkhart, Ind.,

General Hospital.

She was born July 10, 1930, in Mishawaka, Ind., to Orville Lee and Valeria

(Sampson) Fisher.

She married James Junior Smith Nov. 15, 1947, in Mishawaka. He survives.

She was preceded in death by: two sisters, Virginia Thrasher and Naomi Sampson; and three brothers, Donald Sampson, Albert Sampson and Melvin Sampson.

Mary was the best wife a man could have (and his favorite fishing buddy) and a

dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

The kids knew they would get food at Grandma’s at any time. It was not unusual for her to bake 27 pies at Christmas time.

She remembered everyone’s favorites and made sure they each got at least one.

All the grandkids had quilts. She made a new one for each new grand and

great-grandchild. Every child was sure they were Mom’s favorite. Mary was an

avid card player and enjoyed playing with her sister and friends.

Mary will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by: her husband of

65 years, James Junior Smith of Cassopolis; two daughters, Dorinda (Terry)

Charles of Dowagiac and Rebecca (Tom) Cooper of Cassopolis; two sons, James (Karen) Smith Sr. of Cassopolis and Mark Smith of Cassopolis; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Sharon Glass of Cassopolis; and one brother, Dean Sampson of Texas.

Family and friends gathered on Monday, Jan. 21, from 4 until 8 p.m. in Apostolic Lighthouse Church, 30402 M-62 West, Dowagiac.

Funeral services are Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m. in the church with the Revs.

Lamar and Martha Cooper officiating.

Mrs. Smith will be laid to rest in Calvin Township Cemetery, Cassopolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Online condolences may be posted at wagnercares.com.