Obituary

Lee was born in Los Angeles, California to Joseph (a senior engraver for Castle Cards) and Marceline Love. She grew up during the Great Depression, a devout catholic who attended Catholic School all 12 years. She inherited her artistic gift from her father and went on to become a fine artist, winning many awards over the years.

She was married to the love of her life, Bob Smith, for nearly 40 years. They were blessed with 2 children, Lon and Lisa; daughter-in-law Harla and son-in-law Bob; grandchildren Celynda, Laura, Nick, Pat, Derek, Scott, Jay and Sara; great-grandchildren Emma, Heather, Joe, Ellie and Kalia. Family always came first for Lee.

She and her husband, Bob, loved to travel. In the earlier years when the kids were young, they loved boating at the Colorado River during the summer with family and best friends. During the winter months, they would frequent the local mountains for snow skiing. These years provided wonderful family memories for all. As they got older they traveled all over the world including Russia. Their first love was Hawaii… they made sure to go there every year until they purchased their beach condo in Rosarito Beach, where they retired. Lee was known for her great sense of humor, infectious smile and love of a good party.. those qualities lasted throughout her life.

Mary Lee Smith, 90, passed away on Thursday, December 14 in Mission Viejo, CA. She was born and raised in Southern California where she lived all her life.

She was a very devout Catholic all her life and loved the Lord. She was a skilled artist, loved music, dancing, always loved shopping for a good bargain, boating, skiing, traveling, but most of all spending time with her family and friends. She once won first place in a dance contest judged by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers at Del Mar race track.

She was happily married for 39 years to her husband Bob.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa, her husband Bob, their 4 children and 1 granddaughter and her son, Lon, his wife Harla, their 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Lee was a wonderful wife, mother and nana to her family and a great friend to all she met. She will live forever in our hearts.. we will miss her dearly.

Services for Mary will be held on January 6, 2018 at 1:00pm at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA.