Obituary of Mary Catherine Smith

Mary Catherine Smith (née Collins) passed away suddenly on September 16, 2021, at the age of 74.  Beloved wife of Roger Smith and devoted mother of Michael (Stephanie) Smith and the late Patrick Smith.  Proud grandmother of Jack, Riley, McKenna, Charlie, and David.  Loving sister of Terry (and the late Beverly) Collins and Sean Collins.  Further survived by other dear relatives and lifelong friends.

Mary was born December 3, 1946 in Richmond Heights, MO to John and Helen Collins.  She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Avila College and a master's degree in education from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  Mary was a devoted teacher and spent her career teaching elementary and special education.  She taught at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School in Wesport, WI; Central Wisconsin Center in Madison, WI; and Clark County School District in Las Vegas, NV.  Mary retired from teaching in 2012 and enjoyed retirement spending time with friends and family. 

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Kraft Sussman Funeral Home from 1-3 pm at 3975 S. Durango Drive, Las Vegas, NV.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Harrison, WI with a private interment at the parish cemetery. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Patrick T.C. Smith Endowed Memorial Scholarship at UNLV. Checks may be made out to: UNLV Foundation, memo line: Patrick T.C. Smith Endowed Memorial Scholarship; mail to: UNLV Foundation, Box 451006, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89154-1006. Online gifts may be made at: http://engage.unlv.edu/tribute. Select “Patrick T. C. Smith Endowed Memorial Scholarship” in the drop-down menu.