Mary Elizabeth Smith

Mary Elizabeth Smith, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother went home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, September 30th, 2014. She was 96 years old. Born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, she was the daughter of Herbert and Nell Forrey. She was lovingly known by her family as ‘Great Mary’ or ‘Queen Mary’. She was also affectionately referred to as ‘Sweetie’ by her husband of 52 years, David Smith, who survives her. She was the matriarch of the family and took great pride in caring for both her husband and her home. Mary grew up during the Great Depression with her six siblings. As a young girl, she had a beautiful singing voice and performed on the radio. Into her adult life, she loved to sing songs in her home and at church. As a young woman, she was always dressed in the latest styles and mastered all the popular dances. During the 1950’s, she worked at Libbey Glass painting their glassware. She took great pride in her work. She later worked at Webber’s Restaurant as a waitress, where she was a favorite of the customers. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Fred Hafner. They had four children, who survive her- Fred (Judy) Hafner, Judy Monaghan, David (Rita) Hafner and Leslie Hafner. She was married in 1962 to David Smith. Together they became very active at the Christian Fellowship Church of Toledo for many years. Many young women would seek Mary’s advice for spiritual guidance. She taught Good News Club and led many children to the Lord. Her love of the Lord made her the perfect teacher. Mary was an avid reader and particularly liked to read about history and historical figures. However, she was most interested in studying the Bible. Her studies and passion for the Lord led her to be known within the family as a Biblical scholar. Her special talent was her culinary skills. She loved to experiment with foods and could be relied upon to put a feast on the table in a moment’s notice. Everyone loved to come to Grandma Mary’s for a meal (especially her grandchildren). Her granddaughters adored her and said “I want to be like Grandma Mary when I get old”. They admired her style and spunk. ‘Gram and Gramps’ were the best dancers on the floor at any special event- they really knew how to swing dance and enjoy themselves. One of her favorite memories included an extended trip to England and Ireland in 1979 with several special friends. These were the two places she always wanted to visit and she returned home with wonderful stories of their travels that she shared with family and friends. Mary is also survived by her brother, Harold (Barbara) Forrey, 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. It is a comfort to know that Mary will be greeted with open arms by those who have preceded her into their heavenly home, including grandson Paul Hafner, great-grandson Andrew Krisiewicz and son-in-law William Monaghan. The family wishes to thank both Comfort Keepers and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the excellent care. Mary’s family will receive friends on Friday October 3, 2014 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, Ohio where funeral services will be held on Saturday October 4, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Troy Township Cemetery. Memorial donations can be given to Cherry Street Mission or Christian Fellowship of Toledo.