Mary Ann "Marie" Smith

November 16, 1931 – October 29, 2025

Mary Ann Smith (Marie), 93, of Monterey, California, passed away on October 29, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on November 16, 1931, and raised in Monterey, Marie devoted herself to her family and her many passions, taking pride in anything she did. She loved cooking and baking - her cannolis were a true masterpiece. She also enjoyed fishing the Monterey Bay and working on her home with her own two hands. Her family will also forever cherish her skill for sewing through their beautiful Christmas stockings she made for each of them by hand. Some of her creativity was expressed through her clothing and jewelry shop— Don Marie’s Fashions—owned and operated by her for several years following her years working as a waitress.

Marie had a sharp wit and a gift for one-liners that could fill a room with laughter. Her humor, quick comebacks, and playful spirit made every family gathering brighter. She also loved to dance, and even in her last days could still be found busting a move.

Christmas was Marie’s favorite time of year, and no one celebrated it quite like she did. Her Christmas tree was always a masterpiece—every ornament perfectly placed, thousands of lights sparkling bright. She decorated her home so beautifully that people would pause just to take it all in.

She is survived by her six children—Marie Elena Evans (David, deceased), Sally Balesteri, Linda Balesteri Davis, Peter Balesteri (Kelly), Teri Carpenter, and John Balesteri—as well as ten grandchildren—Toby Garcia, Sidra Davi (Peter), Jacob Evans (Kimmie), Leah Haag (Tim), Jenni Thompson (Lance), Amanda Legare, Brittany Judkins (Pablo), Madison Peregrina (Tobin), Courtney Carpenter, and Auburn Carpenter. She is also survived by her brother Frank Conte and many great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents—Sergio and Jennie Conte—and her brother—Fred Conte. The family takes comfort in knowing she is now reunited with loved ones.

In her later years, Marie struggled with dementia and her family would like to express their gratitude to her devoted caregivers and hospice nurses.

A funeral mass will be held at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey on November 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.