Mary Jean Smith

Mary Jean Baker Smith, age 81, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, September 30, 2014 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born at Franklin, Pennsylvania, on January 19, 1933, Mary was a daughter of the late Franklin C. and Mildred (Doverspike) Baker.

Mary graduated from Franklin High School at Pennsylvania, and attended Case Western Reserve University. On April 4, 1953, Mary wed her high school sweetheart, Michael K. Smith at Franklin, Pennsylvania and together raised two children.

Mary was an avid reader and a member of the Eastern Star at Franklin, Pennsylvania and held a Pennsylvania state office in the Order of the Rainbow Girls.

An active and passionate member of the First Presbyterian Church at New Philadelphia, Mary had a deep love for her church community, having served as an Elder and numerous other Presbyterian Committees as well as the women’s organizations within the church. For nine years, Mary and Mike served as advisors to the Senior High United Presbyterian Youth (S.H.U.P.Y), where many lasting friendships were developed and still exist today.

Aside from her work with the church, Mary volunteered for “Mobile Meals” and as cancer survivor herself, volunteered with The American Cancer Society’s, “Reach to Recovery” program.

For 10 years, she and Mike, vacationed at Ormond Beach, Florida and created many memories with a gathering of friends from throughout the United States and Canada. Additionally, Mary treasured the time spent at Cape Cod, vacationing with dear family friends, the Sheafer’s.

Throughout her lifetime, Mary touched many lives and will be sadly missed by her husband of 61 years, Mike; their children, Mark D. Smith of Bowling Green, Ohio and Michele (Scott) Davis of New Philadelphia; three grandchildren, Logan F. Smith of Bowling Green, Leslie K. Keffer of New Philadelphia, and Lauren K. Moran of Colorado and a great-granddaughter, Amalia M. Moran. A brother-in-law, Thomas E. McLaughlin; nephews, Thomas P. McLaughlin, Michael A. McLaughlin; great-nephews, Nathanial, Aaron, and Joshua McLaughlin; a great-niece, Rebecca McLaughlin, all of Virginia; cousins, Helen Shaffer of Rochester, Minnesota and Ann Jackson of Erie, Pennsylvania complete the family.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Ann Baker.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no public visitation or services to be held. Cremation care will be conducted by Geib Tuscarawas Valley Crematory.

Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be directed to The First Presbyterian Church, 217 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 in appreciation for the excellent care and compassion given to Mary and her family.