Mary M. Smith, 93

Preceded in death by husband Gene; sons Kevin and Jim.

Survived by children Dennis Smith, Michael Smith, Margaret Lemm, and Bruce Smith (Jennifer); 8
grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.


Mary Margaret (Brock) Smith was born to Charles and Margaret Brock of Columbus NE, on January 25, 1930. On that winter day Mary began a life of 93 years filled with immense love, challenging heartbreak, and endless laughter.

The Brock family of seven boys and then finally 2 girls were a big family that loved deeply. With the seven boys all excelling in sports including at the national level, Mary and her sister Joyce always wanted the world to know that “Yes! There are two Brock girls.” Mary was the last surviving child of Charles and Margaret as God knew she had the faith and strength to carry on. Tough as nails, with a heart of gold.

Mary ventured to Omaha to study at the California School of Beauty Culture (She would have been a very rich woman had she charged every niece and nephew who sat in her kitchen for a haircut,) and it was in Omaha that Mary met Eugene Smith. After the blind date Mary noted that Gene was nice, but it probably would not go anywhere, Mary could not have been more wrong. Mary and Gene fell in love and would celebrate 55 wedding anniversaries and would bring six amazing children into the world.

Family was everything for Gene and Mary and they worked tirelessly to give their children a life filled with high expectations, steadfast support, and boundless love. The Smith house was busy, loud, and never boring. Mary had a way of managing it all with a strong hand and a loving heart. With Mary, she said what she meant, and meant what she said. The hijinks and adventures of six very unique kids were no match for Mary’s perceptiveness and wit. Mary loved each of her children very much and appreciated what made each of them special. Mary had a way of seeing the best in people and Dennis, Michael, Jimmy, Bruce, Margaret and Kevin knew their mom was their rock. From Mary each of her children learned that no matter how great the challenge, God is always at your side, lean on family when times are tough because family will always be there for you, and that laughter and gratitude make any day better. Sadly, Kevin and Jimmy preceded their mother in death, but they were always in her heart and in her prayers; a mother’s love knows no bounds.

Along with raising her family, Mary also worked for 25 years at Western Electric (AT&T). Her impressive work ethic, and sassy attitude made her a favorite of coworkers. One can only imagine how fun it was to sit side by side with Mary Smith working the line.

As much as Mary loved her children, and boy did she love them, the apples of her eye were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Every single one of them was her favorite (they knew this, because she would often tell each child, YOU! Are my favorite!”) They understood that when you mowed the yard you better mow it correctly or you would see just the slightest smile and hear “it looks like a drunken sailor mowed this yard.” Oh Grammy! Behind that sometimes-tough exterior it was Grammy’s hugs, genuine interest in all they did, and acceptance of differences that made her so endearing. Mary Smith will live on through their smiles and their laughter.

Always humble, Mary would tell you that she lived an ordinary life, nothing special. The truth is, Mary Margaret Smith was an extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life. She was a great sister, a loyal and supportive wife, a dedicated mother, a treasured aunt, a proud Husker, and the bestest Grammy ever. Mary made the world a better place just by being Mary Smith. To celebrate Mary’s life, show kindness, say a prayer for someone who needs it, and laugh. With a great big smile, laugh, just like Mary.


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