Memorial services for Mary J. Smith of
Albert Lea
,
MN
, will be held at 3:00 PM Monday, December 28, 2009 at the
United
Methodist
Church
in Albert Lea. Pastor John Bromeland will officiate. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Mary died Tuesday evening at the
Thornecrest
Retirement
Center
in
Albert Lea
, and gifted her body to the
Mayo
Medical
Center
in
Rochester
,
MN
. She was 81 years of age.
Mary was born August 16, 1928 in
Ruthton
,
MN
, the daughter of Soren and Bertha (Thompson) Sorensen. She graduated from
Ruthton
High School
in 1945. On September 13, 1953 she was united in marriage to Stanley Smith in Pipestone, MN.
Mary had resided in
Minneapolis
,
MN
, for several years before coming to
Albert Lea
in 1968. She was a very active member of the
United
Methodist
Church
which was a central part of her life. She was involved in the Church Women United,
Mission
trips and various other groups within the church. For many years she enjoyed running the Tiffany Two Ice Cream Parlor in Albert Lea.
Mary was a member of the League of Women Voters and volunteered her time to many worthwhile causes. She enjoyed Civic Music and was an avid sports fan.
Mary is survived by her daughter Terin (Laurie) and husband Jon Bangert of
Albert Lea
,
MN
, and their children Drew and Avery. Also surviving is one brother in law; Norman (Carol) Smith of Seattle, WA, nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Stanley and brother; Raymond Sorensen.
