Obituary of Mary Smith

Smith, Mary Morrissey (nee Kjellsen) Age 80, of Joilet, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2011 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center emergency room, following a lingering illness. Born October 31, 1930 in Omaha, NE, she had been a resident of Joliet since 1958. Loving and devoted wife and mother, who was very active in her community. She was committed to the development of spirituality in others and always sought to advance her knowledge and understanding of religion, theology and community. For many years she was actively involved in transporting religious educators to underserved rural communities. She later returned to college and became certified and served as Director of Religious Education for the Church of St. Jude and St. Mary Magdalene Church through the Diocese of Joliet. Survived by her son, Terrence Dean Morrissey of Boston, MA; daughter, Kathleen (Gregory) Parlor of Joliet; and one sister, Anna Mae Dizona of Omaha, NE. Preceded in death by her husbands, Edward Hugh Morrissey (1971), and Richard E. Smith (1995); and her parents, Edward and Zelma (nee Zeimer) Kjellsen. Funeral Services for Mary Morrissey Smith will be Friday, August 12, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to the Church of St. Jude for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Thursday, 4-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet For information (815) 741-5500