Mary's son, David, married Marilyn in 1970. They had three sons Todd, Tim, and Ted. Mary was affectionately known to her grandchildren as "Nana." She and her husband Frank, "Papa," frequently visited them in southern Illinois.

(Visitors, please help me flesh out Mary's biography by posting your information on this site)

Mary was born in Chicago Illinois on January 16, 1921 to Sophie Taff Davidson and Isadore Davidson.

Mary had 2 brothers and a sister, Morris, Simon, and Millie.   

Mary grew up  in Chicago and lived in multiple places in the City. She finsished high school and attended secretarial college. She met and married Frank Smerken in the early 1940's during World War two and travelled with Frank in the service until he was sent overseas.


After the war she and Frank lived in veteran's housing in Chicago. Their son David arrived in 1949 and they purchased a home in Park Forest Illinois in the early 1950's.  Son Dan was born in 1959.


Mary worked as a secretary and legal assistant during the 1960's through the 1990's, first for Harmon Bro, a psychologist and specialist on the life and work of Edgar Casey. She then worked for nearly 2 decades for attorney, Henry Lehman of Mattson Illinois, and for Henry's partner Larry Dirksen. Mary ended her career working for John Doody of Homewood Illinois.


Mary was a member of the Park Forest Food Coop and a regular volunteer. In her later years she attended communty college courses, took a trip to Europe, and particpated in numerous Elderhostel sessions across the country.


Mary relocated to Olympia, Washington in the mid 2000's and lived with her son and daughter in law Dan and Marissa. During her last 2.5 years she resided in a memory care facility in Olympia Washington where she remained cheerful and active.