Mary Ellen Smith (Parslow), age 84, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mary was born February 4, 1936 in River Falls, Wisconsin to John and Marie (Haugh) Parslow. Mary graduated from River Falls High School and went on complete a nursing degree from St. Catherine University in St. Paul. September 7th, 1957 began a 47-year love affair with her husband David Smith. The union blessed them with seven children, Christopher, Teresa, Stephanie, Beth, Gregory, Brian, and Ben.

Mary loved her family. Her seven kids and many grandkids kept her very strong for so many years. When the family was young, they would regularly take the trailer camping. Mary was often on the go, multiple road trips, cruises, a trip to England, and trips to Florida and Arizona for training camp. She was also a patient person, she enjoyed sitting on the north shore of Lake Superior and watching the ships come in, Mary spent more than 20 years bowling on various leagues well in to her 80’s. She also enjoyed shopping, craft shows, an apple orchard run and relaxing while working on a crossword puzzle or two. 

After graduating from nursing school Mary jumped right into her nursing carrier, she spent over 42 years with Hudson Hospital before retiring in 2003. 

Mary will remain in the hearts of her family; children, Teresa (Jeff) Anderson, Beth (Ron) Houman, Gregory Smith, Brian (Kim) Smith, and Benjamin (Dana) Smith; son-in-law, Marc McSorley; daughter-in-law, Mary Smith; grandkids, Renee (John) Robinson, Sean (Hallie) Anderson, Shane (Stacey) Smith, Portia Smith, Isabella Smith, Clayton Smith, Courtney (Eric) Larsen, Michael (Sarah) McSorley, Anne (Antonio) Kuklok, Phillip (Morgan) McSorley, Megan (Matt) Blanton; great-grandkids, Lilly, Benjamin, Jack, Willa, Jessica, Kaitlyn, Harley, Brooks, Kinsley, Noah, Colton, and Kiptin; brothers, Tom (Rosanne) Parslow, and Jim (Marlene) Parslow; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, David Smith; son, Christopher Smith; daughter, Stephanie McSorley; and brother, John “Jacky” Parslow. 

Private family services are being held at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home on November 13, 2020, with Fr. John Gerritts officiating. Burial will take place next to her husband David, at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Hudson. Cards may be sent in care of O’Connell Family Funeral Homes at 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI 54016.