Mary Z. Smith

Mary Veronica Zieno Smith, 96, a lifelong resident of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Born on April 28, 1927 in Norwich, Mary was the daughter of Antonio and Catherine (Zaia) Zieno.

She was a good student at both Norwich Jr. and Sr. high. She was a member and active participant in many clubs with Theatre and Performing Arts being among her favorites. Her family recalls fondly going to the auditorium at the Local Jr. High on West Main Street to hear her sing and watch her perform in local plays. After graduating among the top of her class in 1946, she went on to pursue an education in business by attending and graduating from Ridley Lowell School of Business. Following her graduation, she went to work at Victory Markets as an Executive Secretary where she worked for many years. She met and married Charles A. Smith, Jr. and left the position to dedicate her time to raising a family.

Mary enjoyed various activities during her life. She was a “crafter” at heart. She could paint, sew, weave, and/or fabricate what anyone else would throw away, into some kind of art piece. She loved to bowl and was in Ladies and Mixed Leagues at both Brown Ave. and Family Rec. bowling centers. She was an active golfer in ladies as well as couples golf leagues and spent MANY years up at the Country Club enjoying her time with family, friends and business associates alike. She was a member of the local Rotary Club as well as crafting clubs.

Being 100% Sicilian, Mary LOVED to cook or bake and was exceptionally good at it. She was constantly in the kitchen trying something new and creative to feed her family and ended up compiling HUNDREDS of recipes of her own throughout her life. You never had a bad meal if you ate at Mary's, that’s for sure!

Mary was a faithful woman. She was a lifelong active and DEDICATED member of St. Bartholomew's Church. She donated time and resources her entire life. She absolutely loved the Church and sang hymnals like her life depended on it. She truly enjoyed being in the presence of God.

Mary is survived by her two children, Agnes (Smith) Eaton and her husband Paul of Norwich, and Casey Slade (formerly John Smith) of Hollywood CA; niece Judy Zieno of East Lake OH; four grandchildren, Matthew Eaton and his fiancé, Katarina De Tomi, Catherine Eaton, Connor Eaton, and Tyler Christian Slade; as well as several cousins.

She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Dominic and Ruth Zieno; sister, Joan Zieno; grandchild, Adam Eaton; and husband of 50+ years, Victory Markets/Great American President, Charles A. Smith, Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be celebrated on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 11:00 am, at the Church of St. Bartholomew, where the Rev. Ralph A. Bove, will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at St. Paul's Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.

Contributions in Mary's memory can be made to Msgr. Festa Scholarship Fund, c/o St, Bartholomew’s Church, 81 East Main St, Norwich NY 13815.

Mary LOVED Norwich and she will be missed….