Mercedes G. Smith was born in New York and raised by her mother and grandmother in Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. She graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart and attended Hood College. In 1951, she met Jack Smith who was attending the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Love at first sight, their relationship blossomed and they married in 1953. Over the next 30+ years, they raised their family, moving many times, ending in Wyndmoor. Mercedes volunteered in her children’s schools, worked in interior design, and later worked in the Development Offices at Chestnut Hill College. Always an avid “amateur” artist, Mercedes continued to dabble in painting. Mercedes is survived by her husband of 61 years, John F. (Jack) Smith, her 6 children and (their spouses): J. Alford (Mary-Jo), W. Wakefield (Mary), Gery Smith McKenna (John), Ashley Smith Holton (Jack), Peter Topping and D. Hunter (Lisa), 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Mercedes raised her family with a warm heart, a strong faith and an insightful wit; she loved to watch all sports and share in the comings and goings of her children and grandchildren. Through her quiet, selfless and unconditional support, she was the center of her family and will be dearly missed by all who knew her and loved her. A Family Reception at 10:00 am and Memorial Mass at 11:00 am will be celebrated on Friday, March 14th at St Genevieve Parish in Flourtown, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation,
1-800-473-4636, www.murrayfuneralhome.com.
John F. Murray Funeral Home
