Memorial services for Mary J. Smith of Albert Lea will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. John Bromeland will officiate. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Mary died Tuesday evening at the Thorne Crest Retirement Center in Albert Lea, and gifted her body to the Mayo Medical Center in Rochester. She was 81 years of age.
Mary was born Aug. 16, 1928, in Ruthton, the daughter of Soren and Bertha (Thompson) Sorensen. She graduated from Ruthton High School in 1945. On Sept. 13, 1953, she was united in marriage to Stanley Smith in Pipestone.
Mary had resided in Minneapolis for several years before coming to Albert Lea in 1968. She was a very active member of the United Methodist Church, which was a central part of her life. She was involved in the Church Women United, Mission trips and various other groups within the church. For many years she enjoyed running the Tiffany Two Ice Cream Parlor in Albert Lea.
Mary was a member of the League of Women Voters and volunteered her time to many worthwhile causes. She enjoyed Civic Music and was an avid sports fan.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Terin (Laurie) and husband Jon Bangert of Albert Lea and their children, Drew and Avery. Also surviving is one brother in law, Norman (Carol) Smith of Seattle, Wash.; nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stanley; and brother, Raymond Sorensen.