Mary Kathryn Smith, 58, of Branford, FL passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022, at Haven Hospice after battling cancer for five years. Mary was the daughter of Alfred and Marlene Gerdes, born November 1, 1963, in Worthington, Minnesota. On May 4, 1992, she married Joseph Smith. Mary loved people. She spent many years as a bartender in Florida before moving to Branford, FL. There, Mary and Joe bought 5 acres and put a new home on it. Mary spent her days caring for her husband Joe who was a totally disabled Vietnam veteran. When not caring for Joe, she would work on cleaning up the property and caring for her flowers. Mary and Joe spent many nights on their porch enjoying the sunset. Mary also enjoyed time with her dog, Pepper, and parrot, Buddy.

Mary is survived by her husband, Joseph Smith of Branford, FL; mother: Marlene Gerdes, Emmetsburg, Iowa; two brothers: Allen Gerdes, Dallas, Texas; Larry Gerdes, Spirit Lake, Iowa; two sisters: Cindy Schultz, Lake City, FL; Ruth Petirch, Graettinger, Iowa. Mary had two step-children: Jody Childs, Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Tina Heuerman, Des Moines, Iowa. She also had many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Mary was preceded in death by her father: Alfred Gerdes; brother: Raymond Gerdes and sisters: Donna Hansen and Jody Huisenga.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.danielsfuneralhome.com.