Mary Louise Smith

Mary Louise Smith, of Centennial passed away peacefully on January 26, 2020 at the age of 92 surrounded by the love of her family. Mary Lou was born on May 3, 1927 in Mankato, Minnesota to Lester and Grace (Dawald) Whiteman. A few years after graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota, she and a girlfriend headed south on a several month road trip across the country, ending up in Corpus Christi, TX. There, while working for Atlantic Refining Company, she met her loving husband William R. Smith. They married in 1953 and settled in Denver to begin their careers and family. In June of 2018, Mary Lou and Bill celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary.

Mary Lou enjoyed a long career with the Denver Public Schools, as an elementary school teacher, primarily second grade. After retiring, she continued to share her love of learning with school children as a substitute teacher well into her 80s. Mary Lou touched countless lives through her professional career and as community volunteer. She shared her many talents by taking on leadership roles with numerous organizations, social groups, her beloved book club and the Greenwood Village Homeowners Association. She was also an active member of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists’ Auxiliary (RMAGA), and served in many positions over the years, including President.

Mary Lou was a woman of great strength and determination, filling the role of a devoted and caring wife, mother and grandmother. Her life was filled with love, joy, intelligence, kindness and a generosity of spirit. She will be deeply missed by her many friends, her son Matthew William Smith (Alison Cooke); and daughters Mercedes Smith Erickson (William), and Felicia Luz Ingwers (Bruce); and grandchildren Charles, Rachael, Andrew, Nicholas, Robert, Rebecca and Noah.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her brother Richard Whiteman and husband William R. Smith.

A funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Risen Christ, Friday, February 7 at 10 AM, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Reading is Fundamental to support children's literacy – rif.org

Visitation: February 6, 2020 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - South Denver
1091 S. Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80246

Recitation of the Rosary : February 6, 2020 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Horan & McConaty - South Denver
1091 S. Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80246

Funeral Mass: February 7, 2020 10:00 am

Risen Christ Catholic Parish
3060 South Monaco Parkway
Denver, CO 80222
303-758-8826

Reception: February 7, 2020 11:00 am

Risen Christ Catholic Parish
3060 South Monaco Parkway
Denver, CO 80222
303-758-8826