Mary Critton Smith

October 11, 1919 - April 6, 2009

Mary Catherine Critton Smith age 89 of St. Clair, MI, fondly known in St. Clair as “Mary Kay” died peacefully Monday, April 6, 2009 after a brief illness. Mary was born October 11, 1919, in Grosse Pointe, MI to the late Helen and Glen Critton. On February 15, 1941, she married Lieutenant Colonel J. Randolph “Randy” Smith Jr., of the US Army at Grosse Pointe Memorial church. They remained member of G.P. Memorial Church after moving from Grosse Ponte to St. Clair in 1981, where they also became members of the First Congregational Church. Additionally, they were members of the Detroit Yacht Club and the St. Clair River Country Club. Mary was also an avid bridge player and enjoyed her many friendships in her St. Clair bridge groups. Mary graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1937 with three Varsity letters and was an active golfer all her life, spending many hours on the course in Manistique where as a girl she summered at her family home on Indian Lake. She attended Albion College and Wayne State University as an English major. She was an enthusiastic Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout leader, and Sunday school teacher. She was also a past President of the Michigan League for Crippled Children and was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mary was a devoted and loving mother to her two daughters, Marilyn and husband James Blair, Cathie Cairns and husband, Frank Sagorski and to one son, Glen Randolph Smith. She was “Nana” to seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and had many nieces and nephews. She was the caring sister to Sally Jay (Bob) Dent, Audrey (Ernie) Knight, and the late Doris (Jack) Bell. She was the gentle and special companion for nine years to the late Frederick Oderfer of St. Clair. She was preceded in death by Randy, her husband of 57 years, her sister, Doris Bell, and granddaughter, Beth Mary Cairns. Mary loved life, music, the arts and a good laugh. She loved people and entertaining and was truly an elegant and classy lady. Visitation will take place Friday, April 17, from 4:00-7:00PM and Saturday, April 18, 11:00AM-12:00 with a service immediately following at L.C. Friederichs & Son Funeral Home, 214 Trumbull , St. Clair, www.lcfandson.com. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or charity of your choice.