Mary A. (Hanley) Smith

Bennington, V.T. – Mary A. (nee Hanley) Smith, 70, died July 20 2013 at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, VT. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Albert Hanley and her younger brother, James. Mary was born in Staten Island, NY but was raised and lived most of her young life in Rensselaer, NY. She attended college at St. Luke School for Nursing in Pittsfield, MA and then at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. After nursing school Mary worked at Albany’s VA hospital before she was commissioned in the US Army Nurse Corp. She served as a combat nurse in Vietnam for two years followed by duty in San Francisco, CA at the Presidio. Upon completion of her combat service, Mary served as a Flight Nurse with the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Scotia NY until 1977 and was honorably discharged as a Captain. After her well decorated service to our country, Mary devoted her life to helping patients as a Public and Home Health Nurse in the Capital District Area. In 1978, Mary wed Kenneth G. Smith and together they raised twins, David and William, in East Schodack, NY. Mary was most proud of her children’s accomplishments from grade school through their career successes as an Officer in the United States Air Force and as a Principal Scientist at Merck. While juggling child rearing and career, she always remained focused on trying to live a simple humble life centered on family. Throughout her life, Mary was known to be a very giving and loving person, often going without, so she could give to those around her. She was happy when she made others happy. Survivors include her sons; Lt. Col David (Kerry) Smith and Dr. William (Carly) Smith; her brothers Albert (Joan) and John (Robin) Hanley and sister, Diane (James) Reilly. Mary was a wonderful “Grand ma mère” to her 4 grandsons and granddaughter; Marcus, Luke, Elliot, Russell and newborn Mackenzie. She always took an interest in their activities. Funeral services Friday, August 2, 2013 at 10:30 am from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to the Parish of St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph’s Church, Herrick Street, Rensselaer where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited and may call in the funeral home after 8:30 am. Interment will immediately follow the Mass in the family plot in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. To leave a message for the family, light a candle, offer a virtual gift, obtain directions or view other helpful services, please visit www.McVeighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Mary A. (Hanley) Smith

May 1, 1943 - July 20, 2013