Smith, Mary Ellen

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL- Mary Ellen Smith also affectionately referred to as “Pudsy, Mom or Nana” passed away peacefully at home with her eldest daughter and grandsons on Sunday, December 11, 2022. She was born in August 1958. Predeceased by her parents, William (Bill) and Virginia Robinson (Williams), and her sister, Kathleen (Kathy) Klimek. Mary Ellen leaves behind many loved ones, her husband, Michael Smith, beloved daughters, Summer Robinson (Dominick) and Jaclyn Smith. Her cherished grandsons, Jeremiya Patterson, and Gianni Figliomeni that were her “everything.” She also leaves behind two Brothers, Michael Robinson (Laura, Mom’s best friend) and Robert Robinson, (Mary), (predeceased by Patricia,) as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. MaryEllen also had several friends she held near and dear to her heart throughout her life, especially Jeffrey Dawson and Paul Milson (Paulie).

Mary Ellen was a devoted employee of the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles for over 20 years. At the time of her retirement, she was an event coordinator for the Custom Plates, Division where she thrived. Organizing events, meeting and greeting people was an area of expertise for her, and a place where she could really shine. Mary Ellen additionally obtained an Associates of Science degree from Excelsior College in 2003 and she received Outstanding Achievement award for her Photography in 2010 from Hudson Valley Community College.

Mary Ellen was always hospitable and willing to open her heart and home to others without discrimination. She was always big on holidays and tradition. Mary Ellen was the glue that kept events, activities, especially her family together, taking special time, care and consideration for everything and everyone. She adored and was incredibly proud of her daughters and grandsons. Always incredibly selfless and generous, almost to a fault. She was known to continuously make endless attempts to keep people together, even at a cost to herself. She gave and forgave continuously.

Mary Ellen was considerate and supportive towards the topics she believed in most, always donating her time, energy, money, and sometimes even signing petitions or writing letters to Governors and Senators. She was seldom timid and usually very passionate and outspoken. She was a proud member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. Though always humble, Mary Ellen was an incredibly creative and talented artist who excelled in painting, photography, drawing and anything else she put her heart and soul into. Her passion also extended to equestrianism where she participated in several different shows and other events, just content to be riding and being in the barn. She loved and was truly loved and will be profoundly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 from 4-7 pm at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home. Inc., 490 Delaware Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), P.O. Box 49104, Baltimore, MD 21297, nami.org.