Mary Lou Smith

Obituary for Mary Lou Parks Smith

07-16-1934 – 02-10-2026

Mary Lou was born July 16, 1934 in Mineola, New York. She went to be with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on February 10, 2026. Predeceased by the love of her life, husband George A. Smith III in 2003 and sons “Fritzie” in 1964 and George A. Smith, IV in 1982.

Survived by Susan (Daniel), William, Sarah (Bruce), and Ellen (William); Grandchildren: Nathan; Rachel (Richard), Naomi, Elizabeth (José), and David (Sean); Abigail (Greg), Karen (Doug), Stephen (Arggi), and Susannah; Sarah, William (Stacia) and Benjamin . She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren.

With her last conscious breath, Mary Lou shared how grateful she was for her beautiful family, and she wanted each of us to feel just how deeply and dearly she loves us all.  

Mary Lou lived a life rich with curiosity, creativity, and joy. During her college years, she received three years of vocal training from a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, which opened the door for her to sing with many choral groups and churches. Music was woven through her life—she delighted in playing the piano, guitar, mandolin, and Mountain Dulcimer.

Her hands were always busy creating beauty. She loved gardening and canning, making hand‑braided rugs, refinishing and upholstering furniture, and quilting with such passion that she earned several ribbons for her work.

Early in her career, Mary Lou taught first grade in the Hempstead Public Schools, and later in life she enjoyed substituting at Hadley‑Luzerne Central School. But her greatest joy was being a homemaker and mother to her six children. She made every day feel special. Together with her husband George, she nurtured a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and welcome—a place where family, friends, and community were always embraced. She created countless magical memories around the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays. With deep devotion, she also organized a home‑based therapy program for her youngest son, Georgie, who had a developmental disorder.

Mary Lou and George poured their hearts not only into their own children, but into their extended family and the many friends who became family along the way. They believed deeply in nurturing relationships, and they made sure we grew up surrounded by the love of countless cousins, aunts, and uncles—near and far. Through frequent trips to visit relatives, they gave us the gift of belonging to a wonderfully large, close‑knit family where love was abundant and connections ran deep.

Just as they cherished their relatives, they also cultivated rich, lifelong friendships and were faithfully involved in their church and community. Their lives were woven together with so many beloved friends and church family members, sharing in celebrations, gatherings, and the rhythms of everyday life. Because of their commitment to staying connected, our own lives were beautifully shaped and enriched by the many people who became part of our story as well.

While living in Western New York, Mary Lou found great joy in what she lovingly called “running a taxi service”—driving friends to doctor appointments, hospital visits, or to see loved ones recovering from illness. Serving others in this way was one of her purest delights.

A memorial service was held at Faith Fellowship Church in Geneseo, NY on February 12, 2026, where she and her late husband George were active members. A second memorial service will be held on March 28, 2026, at Brewer Funeral Home in Lake Luzerne, NY, followed by burial at the Lake Luzerne Cemetery.

Mary Lou and George leave behind a legacy of love—one that lives on in the many hearts they touched throughout their lives.

Mary Lou’s life was a beautiful reflection of the love of Christ—steadfast, generous, and full of compassion. She and her beloved husband George now rejoice together again in the presence of their Savior, embracing all who have gone before them in the eternal halls of time. Though we will miss her voice, her laughter, and her unwavering love, we hold fast to the promise that this is not goodbye. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, and we look forward to the day when we will be reunited once more.

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