Obituary of Mary E. Smith

Mary E. Knapp Age 87 of Zephyrhills, FL, formerly of Elmira, NY, entered the gates of heaven on Good Friday, April 7, 2023 after a brief illness. Mary was born March 1, 1936 in Elmira, NY to the late Russell and Marion Freeman. Mary was the last to complete her family in heaven, joining siblings Paul Freeman, Pauline Kerbein, Jean Kerbein and Cora Craig; and her loving husband of 40 years, Donald I. Smith. Mary was previously married to Charles S. Knapp for 20 years and was blessed with 5 amazing children; Debra Wilbur (Mike Couture), John Knapp (Kathryn Bradley), Brenda Brown (Scott Kay), Sheila VanDydke (Mike) and Marc Knapp (Dawn Hinze). Mary is also survived by her 10 grandchildren Jon Robertson and Jamie Guyton (Debra), Carrie Knapp and Michael Knapp (John), Tammie Brown Hartsfield and Jay Brown (Brenda), Jennifer Mansaray and Steven Cruttenden (Sheila), Andrew and Alicia Rinwalske (Marc). Mary also leaves behind 13 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary retired from Hardinge Bros. after many years of service. In her younger years, she was a mixologist at a few of the local establishments. She was a hard worker; a fun-loving person, and the most loving matriarch. She will be missed by all. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Her Celebration of Life will follow the visitation at 1 pm. Interment will follow in Woodlawn National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to a charity of their choice.