Mary Jo Rowe Smith

Mary Jo ‘Mimi’ Rowe Smith passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020 after more than 86 years of bringing joy to everyone around her. She began her path in Trinidad, TX on September 1, 1934 with her mother, Mildred ‘Sissy’ Madden, father Joseph Henry Rowe, and brother George Henry Rowe. She lived with her beloved grandparents, Mary Hayter ‘Mammy’ Madden, and George ‘Jampy’ Madden, Sr., in Waxahachie, TX during her teenage years, and graduated in 1950, precociously at 16, from Waxahachie HS, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. Mimi dearly loved her blended family, including her stepparents Elizabeth and Walter Wupperman, and siblings Joseph Rowe, Jr., Benjamin ‘Benny’ Rowe, Ann (Rowe) Seaman, David Wupperman, and Johanna (Wupperman) Hippolito. She is survived by all siblings except David and George.

Mimi’s brilliance graced the workforce at the University of Texas, Lockheed Martin, and Austin ISD. She loved her garden, from which she cooked the most comforting food every morning and night for her family. She was an avid reader, and her love of sharing stories created a magical experience for all lucky enough to hear. She never passed up an opportunity to spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Mimi is survived by four devoted children: David Kirney Kirkpatrick, from her first marriage to J.B. Kirkpatrick, and Kasey Jo Smith, Georgeanne Smith, and Chrissy (Smith) Caputo from her 47-year marriage to Clinton Smith, who loved Mimi with his whole heart until he passed away in 2012. She is predeceased by her loving stepson David Mark Smith. Her children all experienced the most profound unconditional love from their mother, and their spouses – Carmen Kirkpatrick, Mary Ann Hubbard, Terry Wright, and Michael Caputo – all felt the blanket of her love wrapped around them as part of the family.

Mimi is also survived by the grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Michael Caputo, David, Alex, Mariah, George and Sophia Kirkpatrick, Haley & Tim Jewett, and Robert Wright. She was enamored with her first great-grandson, Jude Jewett, and was excited to meet her great-granddaughter, Lennon Jewett, in 2021.

Mimi’s mischievous Buddha heart will be forever missed by all.