Mary Zara Smith

Mary Zara Smith, 52, passed away on February 1, 2023 due to complications from Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), diagnosed in November 2021.  Mary, and her twin brother, Michael, were born in Crestline, Ohio on October 26, 1970 to Joseph C. and Estella Zara. She graduated from Crestline High School and Bowling Green State University.  She married Kent C. Smith on September 26, 1998 and together they had two daughters, Claire E. Smith and Catherine Z. Smith.  Mary had a long career with United Health Care and enjoyed gathering with family and friends, traveling and playing sand volleyball.  Mary was a loving, generous, and loyal wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend.  In addition to her husband, Kent, daughters, Claire and Catherine and brother, Michael (Rae) Zara, Mary is survived by sisters Patricia (David) O’Neil, Lynn (Chris) Snyder and brother Joseph M. (Tracey) Zara.  Nieces and nephews, Erica Collins Wright, Matthew (Tracy) O’Neil, Leslie (Max) Hartings, Alyssa (Ryan) Mughal, Andrew (Stephanie) O’Neil, Ashley Snyder, Sophia Zara, Nicolas Zara and great nieces, Kenslie Ridenhour, Everly Hartings and Palmer O’Neil and great nephews Knox Hartings and Nathan O’Neil.  Mary was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Cheryl Zara Collins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 4475 Dublin Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026 on February 10, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.  A private family interment will follow.  A celebration of life to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to The ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter, 1170 Old Henderson Rd., Ste. 221, Columbus OH  43220.