Maryann Smith

Maryann was born in Kansas City to James G. and Gladys (Bennett) Scanlon. She was the youngest of four children. She attended St. Therese Little Flower grade school. She graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in 1955.

She became engaged to the love of her life, Jim Smith, on Christmas Eve 1958 in Loose Park. They were married on August 8, 1959 at St. Therese Little Flower. In their early married life, they were a part of St. Catherine’s Parish, then St. Regis, and finally joined St. Thomas More Parish where they found a spiritual home.

Throughout the years they stayed close with their high school friends and their spouses. Over the years they remained close and met frequently with these friends they called the “Supper Club.” There were dinner parties, camping trips and vacations at the lake.

Maryann worked for Ranger Insurance in the early 1970’s and later CNA Insurance in the rating department. She had lifelong work friends, especially Karen Martley who passed away in 2022. At St. Thomas More she joined a grief group where she met Mimi Powers. They became fast friends. Maryann and Mimi assisted with the events for the More Friends group at St. Thomas More.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jim who passed in 2005. She is also preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Betty Vargon, Edward “Bud” Scanlon and Jim Scanlon and Susan (Van Horn) Smith, her daughter-in-law.

She will be missed by her children: Kathleen Zuk, her husband Patrick, Brian Smith, Maureen King, her husband Jerry. Her seven grandchildren brought her a lot of joy: Keegan Zuk, his wife Sarah, Colleen Zuk, her wife, Destiny, Shawn Smith, his wife Carolyn, Ryan Smith, his wife Bethany, Megan Smith, her fiancé Hans Guthrie, Elizabeth King and David King. Her four great grandchildren: Nora and Matthew Smith and Eli and Elena Zuk were also a source of joy in her life. She also remained close to many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Wednesday, August 20, at St. Thomas More Church, 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 pm with a visitation immediately following. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 21, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. A luncheon will be prepared in the church hall immediately following Mass. The interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery will be a private service for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Maryann’s memory be made to St. Thomas More Church or Catholic Community Health: Hospice and Homecare. To leave a message of condolence for Maryann's family, or to share a special memory of her, visit the guestbook below.

A quote from a favorite book of Maryann’s: “Sometimes My blessings come to you in mysterious ways: through pain and trouble. At such times you can know My goodness only through your trust in Me. Understanding will fail you, but trust will keep you close to Me.” - Jesus Calling by Sarah Young