Mary Jane Smith

Mary Jane Smith died on May 17, 2018 following a short illness. She was 97. A long time Cedar Rapids resident, she was born on May 8, 1921 to Winifred and Herbert Kohl. She grew up near Springville and graduated from Springville Community Schools in 1938. Mary Jane married John D. "Jack" Smith on January 14 1947 in Cedar Rapids, after he returned from serving in WWII. They shared 56 years of a loving marriage before his death in 2003. In 1949, they were blessed with their daughter, Cynthia, who never failed to make them the proudest parents in the world. This loving family traveled by train many times to Colorado and California where an everlasting love of travel and beauty of the mountains was formed. They had a huge garden every year, Jack worked in the garden and Mary Jane canned and froze everything they grew. There was always an abundance of green beans, tomatoes, rhubarb and raspberries (which never seemed to make to it to the kitchen when grandson Alex was visiting.) Some of her most treasured moments were as a grandmother when grandson Alex visited during summer vacations. Together they went to every movie being shown. Alex and Mary Jane played countless games of cards which she took pride in letting Alex win. Mary Jane was kind, strong, resilient and gracious. For many years she made beaded Christmas tree ornaments that were lovingly gifted to family and friends. In recent years, she made dresses for girls in Africa. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. She was generous, and a champion for the underdog. Her memory was unrivaled throughout her 97 years. She is survived by grandson Alex Morton and his father Dean Morton, son in law Rich Jacobs and many special friends including Lisa Long and Dana Derby and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband and her daughter Cynthia. A graveside service will be held on Saturday June 2 at 1pm at Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion. The service will be followed by a short reception at the home of a friend.