Mary Peterson Smith, 71, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, beloved wife, mother and friend of countless others, died peacefully at home on Saturday, May 19, 2018 with her immediate family by her side. She was born Mary Nord Peterson on May 16, 1947 in Bryn Mawr, PA to John and Marjorie Peterson.
She lived and worked as an insurance underwriter in Philadelphia and New York for many years. She married Robert Smith in December, 1982 and gave birth to her daughter, Melissa, in November, 1983 while residing in Stamford, CT. While there, she was active in APPLE, the Parent-Teachers Organization at Greenwich Country Day School, had fun in the roles of Class Mom and Executive Producer of several school plays, and served as President of Project Charlie. She was also an officer of the homeowners association.
In 1996 the family moved to Annapolis, MD. She embraced the role of Sponsor for several Naval Academy Midshipmen and kept busy as President of The Downs Homeowners Association. She and her husband retired to Jupiter, FL in 2008 and to Palm Beach Gardens, FL in 2016.
Mary loved to travel and visited many countries in Europe (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, the UK, etc.) and the Asia-Pacific (Australia, China, New Zealand, etc.) as well as Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and other parts of our country. She also enjoyed family time in the Keys and at the New Jersey shore.
She is survived by her husband and daughter as well as her siblings, Margaret Hentschke, Anne Martin, John Peterson and William Peterson; step-daughters, Catherine Smith and Allison Smith Newman and numerous other relatives.
She was predeceased by two step-daughters, Deborah Ann Smith and Elizabeth Bishop Smith.
Mary had lasting and meaningful relationships with many due to her friendly and infectious spirit. She maintained her sense of humor during her journey with cancer, forcing those around her to laugh through their tears even at the end.
A Memorial Service in celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 2:30 pm at AYCOCK-RIVERSIDE FUNERAL HOME, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL. The family will greet friends at a reception following the service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Mary to Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.
