Mary Waldron Smith

Rye - Mary Waldron Smith, of Rye, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 27, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Major Arthur T. Smith, who passed away in 2011. Born in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape, South Africa, on November 27, 1923, Mary was the daughter of the late Edward Rupert Harris Thornhill and Hilda Blanche (Eddie) Thornhill. Raised and educated in Devon, England, Mary attended Secondary School and went on to work for Barclay’s Bank in Exeter, Devon as part of the civilian effort in World War II in Great Britain. It was during this period that Mary met Arthur while he was stationed in England with the U.S. Army. They began their lifelong companionship and were married on June 2, 1944, in Ashford, Kent, just prior to the allied invasion of Normandy. After the war, the couple moved to Cambridge, MA where Arthur attended college at Harvard. After his graduation, Mary and Arthur moved to the Philadelphia area where they settled and began raising their family. In 1952 Arthur was called back to active duty for the Korean War. Mary and Arthur had three sons during the 1950’s, and in 1961 Arthur took a position with the American Academy of Family Physicians in Kansas City, MO. Mary and Arthur remained in the Kansas City area until Arthur’s retirement in 1984. While living in the Midwest, Mary raised the family and then pursued her occupation as manager of a retail store specializing in tropical fish for hobbyists, and she won several awards for her expertise in raising and caring for fish and aquariums. After moving to Rye in 1984, Mary had a tremendously positive impact on the Seacoast community and the regional heritage. She served as a tour guide and caretaker of the Celia Thaxter Garden on Appledore Island with the Shoals Marine Laboratory. She volunteered her time helping visitors at Fuller Garden in North Hampton and was active with the Rye Driftwood Garden Club for many years. Mary spent many Thursday mornings hosting the “Knitting with Mary” group at Rye Public Library. She managed to share the knitting skills she gained in her youth with all who were interested. Mary’s greatest joys in life were her family, along with music, poetry, and art. She and Arthur enjoyed traveling, and they were well-known members of St. Theresa’s Parish in Rye Beach for many years. Mary is survived by her children, David W. Smith of Racine, WI, Michael G. Smith of Greenland, NH, and Kevin T. Smith and his wife Michelle Cacho-Negrete of Portland, ME. A committal ceremony will be held privately, and Mary will be laid to rest beside Arthur in Central Cemetery in Rye. Her funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa Church in Rye at a date and time to be announced. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary’s memory to the New Hampshire SPCA in Stratham by clicking here or by mail to: New Hampshire SPCA, 104 Portsmouth Avenue Stratham, NH. 03885

Mary Waldron Smith

November 27, 1923 - February 27, 2023