Maria Smith

Maria de Jesus Smith, 93, of Mankato died Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Brookdale Assisted Living, Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 11, 2022, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mankato. Visitation will be one hour before service at the church on Friday. Interment in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Johnsburg, MN. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.

Maria was born January 4, 1929, to Pedro and Guadalupe (Garcia) Silva in Brownsville, TX. She was united in marriage to Anthony T. Smith on April 11, 1964, in Brownsville, TX. Maria was a homemaker for her family. She enjoyed canning, gardening, baking, dollmaking, quilting, making ornaments, getting together with her friends, and making tamales with her daughters and son.

Maria is survived by eight children, Maria C. (Tom) Berendzen of Clearwater, FL, Maria M. (Manuel) Villalon of El Paso, TX, Maria E. (Brian) Bartsch of rural Rapidan, MN, Estella M. (John) Pekarske of Jefferson, GA, Veronica M. (Dave) Schneider of Blaine, MN, Penny M. (John) Reeves of Mankato, MN, Julie A. (Bryce) Erickson of Anchorage, AK, and Frank Smith of Portland, ME; sixteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Pedro (Anna) Silva Jr.; three sisters, Ninfa S. (George) Lopez, Rosario S. Guttierez, and Guadalupe S. Rivera all of Brownsville, TX; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents; husband on July 3, 1994; sister, Natalia Flores; infant brother; and grandson, Philip Pekarske.