Mary Ann Smith, 78, of Tampa, Florida passed away on Sunday,
January 21, 2018. Mary Ann was born in Tampa to Emilio and
Anita Diaz on December 22, 1939. Mary Ann graduated from Jefferson High School, received a
bachelor of science degree from the University of Tampa and two master's degrees from the University of South Florida. She pursued a career in the Hillsborough and Pasco County School Districts. She was a teacher, a reading specialist, an assistant principal and a principal of Quail Hollow Elementary School,
Zephyrhills, Florida. As principal, Mary Ann mentored teachers who became school leaders. She retired from the Pasco County School District in 1986. Mary Ann raised two lovely daughters who moved with her to New Jersey when she married her beloved husband, Ray Smith. Mary Ann continued her career in New Jersey, becoming a principal of Woodmont Elementary School in Montville, New Jersey. After nine years, she retired and the family moved back to Florida in 1994. Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 32 years, Ray Smith; daughters Suzanne Fraley, Jennifer Smith and Eveann Terrett;
grandchildren Jack, Brook Lyn, Fisher, Ryan, Mackenzie, Ally, and Gavin; sister Connie Gonzalez and her husband Juan, brother Jay Diaz and his wife Kathy. In addition, she had a vast number of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Mary Ann embodied all that is good in life. She was unselfish, loyal, trust-worthy, compassionate, generous, focused, forgiving and humble. She was a gift and an inspiration to ALL who knew her. She made all of our lives better by simply sharing her life
with us. Mary Ann embraced and loved life by surrounding herself with family and friends. She was a great party giver! Many will remember her Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, Super Bowl parties, birthday events and her spectacular "Noche Buena", annual Christmas dinner. She trained in interior decorating and had a passion for helping many of her friends with their projects. Mary Ann was an avid reader and she enjoyed traveling to various places she read about. She and Ray traveled extensively through Europe and Asia Pacific. She especially loved New York City and had the opportunity to go there often when she lived in Northern New Jersey. Mary Ann and three other principals from Pasco County (aka: Mary Ann's Mafia) went on 5-day shopping sprees to the Big Apple 15-years in a row! Quality time for Mary Ann meant being with her family. Her grandchildren were extra special to her. She was named by
them as Mom, Bubba, Lala, and Ma. They were all the apples of her eye. At Christmas, she broke the bank (and her back) on making Christmas an extravaganza. She will be forever missed! Mary Ann's wishes were to have a small, private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the "Kissing
Cousins Charity", benefiting those with cystic fibrosis. The link is: http://nonprofits.findthecompany.com/l/1349462/Kissing-Cousins-Charity-Organization-Inc
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Blount & Curry Funeral Home - Macdill Chapel MacDill Avenue Chapel.
5 Entries
February 2, 2018
Peggy Lewis
Dear Ray and Family, My sincere condolences on your loss of Mary Ann. I worked for Mary Ann at QHES as her Reading Specialist. She once told me that being a RS was her favorite job and gave me a cross-stitched saying that said: "The only person who could get anything done by Friday was Robinson Crusoe." It became my mantra and followed me wherever journeyed in my career life. Grace, Peace, Wisdom, and Love to you all. Peggy Lewis
February 1, 2018
Bill Graham
Mary Ann will certainly be missed..i'm Sorry we didn't have more times together in Tampa (and even Philadephia). Ray, our thoughts are with you.
January 31, 2018
Steve Johnson
Ray and family. May Gods peace be with you during this difficult time, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Steve and Linda Johnson
January 30, 2018
Lisa Castellano-Howard
My heart is broken to think Mary Ann is not here with us. I thank God for the blessing of knowing her and look forward to the day I am reunited with her and my departed loved ones in Heaven.
January 22, 2018
Kim Lau-Costanzo
I am so saddened and heartbroken by the news of Mary Ann's passing.
She was always such a kind, loving and wonderful person to me. I will always remember her spunk, and treasure the memories of all of the fun trips I had the chance of spending with her, Suzanne and EveAnn at Disney World and also at the beach.
I will always think of her as a second mother.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
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