Mary Helen Gargas Smalley

Mary Helen Smalley (nee Gargas), age 85, a resident of Griffith for 42 years, passed away November 27, 2011. She was born on October 8, 1926 in East Chicago, IN. Mary is survived by her niece, Andrea (Craig) Uhle of California; two nephews: Allen Gargas of Indianapolis and Steve Gargas of Oregon; great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack J. Smalley whom she married on September 1, 1962; parents: Stanley and Catherine Gargas; one sister, Bernice (Stephen) Vargo; and one brother, Wally Gargas. Visitation will be held on Friday December 2, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. prayer service) at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road (two blocks south of Ridge Rd.) Highland, IN. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 3, 2001 9:30 a.m. at Kuiper Funeral Home, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Church with Rev. Theodore Mens officiating. Cremation to follow. Private interment will be held at the family's convenience. Mary was an office assistant at Youngstown Steel for 17 years and a homemaker. She was a member of St. Mary Church in Griffith. Mary enjoyed doing many crafts, gardening, dancing, baking, and playing bingo. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that condolences be expressed through a contribution to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) or Harbor Lights Hospice.