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Mary Carroll (Strait) Smits
Mary Carroll (Strait) Smits passed away on May 27, 2010 at home in Surprise, AZ. She was born December 28, 1938, and was raised in Jordan, MN. She was a Hamline University alumnus, and a life-long educator who taught secondary Physical Education in the White Bear Lake School District until her retirement. Mary will be missed by her loving husband of 42 years Theodore Smits, Jr., her sister Patricia Shepley (Warren), extended family members, and many great friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert G. and Beatrice Cairncross Strait and her brother Herbert "Skip" Strait. Mary enjoyed every moment of her life to the fullest. She loved animals, especially golden retrievers and Arabian horses. She and Ted were the ultimate party planners, for friends, family, and anyone who came to visit. An avid sports fan, Mary particularly loved; golf, tennis, fishing, water sports, all motor sports (especially Nascar) and Professional Bull Riding. She especially followed all her nieces and nephews sport teams. Her favorite trip was to the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Mary LOVED Las Vegas, having seen all the Cirque shows, the architectural reproductions from around the world, the floral displays and art. As a patron of the Arts, Mary continued her passion for mentoring young people. She was especially interested in supporting opportunities for Classical Student Musicians. A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 27, at Spirit Hill Cemetery in Jordan, Minnesota at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Mary C. Smits Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank (Account # 6914569980) to support the Lakes Area Chamber Music Festival. Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home Jordan Minnesota 952 492-2818
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