Mardell June Smart

Mardell Premovich Smart, 96, of Mill Creek, Wash. died peacefully on July 30, 2016, at Swedish Medical Center in Edmonds, Wash. Mardell was born in Crosby-Ironton, Minn. to Gladys Jackson Premovich and Eli Drago Premovich in 1920. One of four children, Mardell lost her mother at the age of 15, and assumed the care of her brothers and sister to support her father, assuming all the responsibilities of "mother" at an early age.

Mardell and her family moved to Spokane, Wash. when she was 18 years old. She worked at the Davenport Hotel in the Coffee Shop with her sister, Jean, for the next 17 years. She continued to work in restaurants large and small throughout her life. Mardell married Daniel Smart, Jr. in 1943 and the couple added Whitefish and Cut Bank, Mont. as well as Grand Forks, N.D. to their list of hometowns over the next 25 years, ultimately settling in Shoreline, Wash. The couple had two children, Jeanne Smart Pedersen and Daniel Smart both of whom reside in this area.

Mardell's first priority was her family and she was always there to support her children and grandchildren. She loved to care for the little ones - enjoyed every moment. Dancing was her favorite activity and she continued dancing into her 90s. She loved her home, having her hair done, and wearing beautiful clothing (which she worked hard to earn). She also enjoyed long afternoons at the beach, drives anywhere (with a latte) and rooting for both the Mariners and Seahawks teams in her later years. She never missed a family celebration.

Mardell was preceded in death by her parents, Eli and Gladys Premovich; her long-time dancing and life partner, Don Guernsey; and three siblings. She is survived by her children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The family would like to thank Michelle and Alfredo Bugayong and other staff at the Mill Creek Adult Family Home for the loving care they provided Mardell over the last several years.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1PM on Friday, August 12, 2016 at Purdy & Walters Funeral Home Chapel, 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood, WA 98036 with a Graveside Committal Service following at Floral Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Marysplaceseattle.org

Arrangements under the direction of Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills, Lynnwood, WA.