Maureen Ellen Smith

Born to Robert and Mary Shively in the Chicago suburb of Evergreen Park. As the oldest of 5 children, Her father dubbed her "Queenie" from day one. He was a commercial baking engineer on the road, so she spent her toddler years traveling across the upper 48.

Her family settled in St Paul Minnesota where her childhood home still stands on the historical Summit Avenue. She attended St Marks for grade school, and St Lukes for junior high. It was the lifelong friendships that mattered most when she attended Our Lady of Peace High School, so much that, when the family moved to Florida in 1960, she only attended Pompano High for 2 semesters then went back to St Paul to graduate with her friends at OLP. After graduation, South Florida became her permanent residence.

She attended Broward Community College, and in 1961 started working at Chris-Craft Marine Corporation in the specifications department. In addition, she was the hostess of Palm Aire Country Club for several years, all while committing herself to Pompano Beach High School Booster Club where her younger brothers were legendary football alumni.

It was during spring break on Pompano Beach in 1965 when she caught "his" eye, although she tried her best to play hard to get, Richard Smith wouldn't take no for an answer. They became inseparable and on his birthday that same year, his wish was for her to take his hand. Without hesitation, proposal accepted, and 4 months to the day, they married at St Colemans Church.

Dick and Maureen bought their first home in Garden Isles and in 4 years had 3 children. In 1972 they moved to Coral Springs to raise their family "in the country" where Maureen was very social as a member of the Coral Springs Womans Club and as early parishioners of the town's catholic church they contributed to building & enrolled her children in the opening of St Andrew's School.

In 1974, she obtained her real estate license and went on to become a top sales associate with Century 21 Greater Coral Springs. Her career catapulted for decades. As Manager of multiple office locations in Broward and Palm Beach County she received national awards from Better Homes & Gardens Realty for her specialized training programs and later became the Vice President of Arvida Realty Services. She also Managed the Gold Coast School of Real Estate. She was also often referred to as "The First Lady" of Local 719 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union and the South Florida Mechanical Contractors Association as her husband was a very prominent local contractor for decades.

In 1998 a rare cancer diagnosis forced her into retirement. In typical fashion, as a "tough Irish broad", she always took charge, but the majority knew Maureen to be a classy woman that appreciated elegance, opulence and who was always impeccably dressed. She utilized her spare time hosting parties and decorating her homes. She had quite the eye for decor and strolling furniture stores was her main source of exercise. In her recent years, you'd be hard pressed to pull her away from a Rummikub table. She LIVED LARGE traveling the world extensively with her husband and friends. Traditionally, they spent Thanksgivings in the Blue Ridge mountains of Georgia and summers at their North Carolina property, but her greatest joy always came from spending time with her grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her parents and husband of 50 years, 3 brothers-in law, and 3 sisters-in law.

She is survived by her 3 children, David Smith (Donna), Laura Persico (Nick), and Michael Smith (Karin). 9 grandchildren, Travis Nerenberg (Taryn), Tyler Smith (Nancy), Shane Nerenberg, Derek Smith, Carley Smith, Trent Smith (Hannah), Hailey Smith, Kyle Smith, and Samantha Hartoonian (Patrick). 5 Great-grandchildren, Cam, Cash, Clara, Asher and Bronson. Siblings, Rick Shively (Heidi), Bob Shively (Vickie), Sue Wolf, and Steve Shively (Marcia).Dear cousins Katie Salzer & Marilyn Kelly, Brother-in-law Bob Smith (Joan), along with more than 40 nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 23rd, at Horizon Funeral Home - 4650 N Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point, FL 33065 from 2pm-4pm or 6pm-8pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, May 24 at St Andrew Catholic Church - 9950 NW 29th St, Coral Springs FL 33065 at 10 am.

Entombment at The Gardens Memorial Cemetery, Boca Raton

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Our Father's House Soup Kitchen in Pompano Beach.