Mary Carol Dennee Smith, 79, went to be with our Lord and Savior on August 13, 2022. She was a faithful, devout, Catholic woman who had a strong devotion to The Blessed Virgin Mary, God our Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Mary Carol was born to Roscoe Ambrose Dennee (born November 14, 1901) and Catherine Anne Dolan Dennee (born August 29, 1906) in Utica, NY at St. Elizabeth hospital on Friday, December 18, 1942. Friday’s child is loving and giving and that was her personality through and through. She was named Mary after Mary Our Blessed Lady and Carol for Christmas carols since she was born so close to Christmas. She had an older (half) brother Robert "Bob" Dennee born December 27, 1927, to Roscoe and his first wife Gertrude Dennee who passed away. Her younger brother Terrence Dennee (Terry) was born on November 8, 1944. In 1958 they moved to Potsdam, NY for her father’s job with Niagara Mohawk. In June 1960 she graduated from Potsdam Central High School. From there she attended Brescia University, a Roman Catholic University, in Owensboro, KY to receive her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. In 1964 she began her teaching career at St. Lawrence School by moving to Rochester, NY. It was there that she met Eric Marton Smith through mutual friends. They married in October 1968 (later divorced) and had three children, Kurt Coughlin Smith (born June 9, 1970), Greggory Marton Smith (born November 17, 1971) and Kerry Lea (Smith) Muench (born August 11, 1978).
Mary Carol worked as a Catholic school teacher for almost 20 years, teaching at Holy Ghost School, St. Helen’s School, and St. John’s of Rochester, NY. From there Mary Carol made the move to become Assistant Principal of Rochester Leadership Academy Charter School where she finished her teaching career at the top. She loved teaching young minds, helping them achieve their goals and gain confidence in themselves to do well. In 2011 she made her dream move to live in the Carolinas and moved to Greenville, SC to be closer to her grandchildren. She continued to work part time to stay busy at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate and later with the local after school programs. She was destined to help children grow and learn. She also volunteered her time here to teach youth religious education classes at St. Mary Magdalene Church for a few years. In her free time, she was hanging out with her family and grandchildren, lunching with the girls, browsing local shops, or grabbing a cup of coffee with a good friend. She loved her grandchildren beyond words – John, Andrea, Alexander, Dean, Clark, and Vivian. She always wanted the best for them, to have faith, and to succeed in life by doing their best. Dean, Clark, and Vivian were the light of her life here in SC and she loved watching them grow up. Family and friendships were most important to her, as well as her Catholic faith. She faithfully prayed the rosary each day, said prayers for those in need, attended mass regularly, was a catechist for several years, and participated in bible study groups as well as Holy Adoration.
She was known as Mary, Mary Carol, May Kay, MC, Young MC, and Mimi. Everyone who knew her enjoyed her presence. You would recognize her for her red lips and pearls, for dressing in bright, cheerful colors, for her genuine smile and glow. She was the life of the party, a classy lady, and had a great sense of humor. Friendship was so important to her, and she was the best kind of friend to have. Her many lifelong friends from childhood and Rochester had a special place in her heart. Living in SC for 11 years she met more wonderful friends through church and her lovely neighborhood to enjoy life with. These special friends helped her through her struggles as of late. She will always remain a bright light, one with a positive spirit, an infectious laugh and love of life.
Mary Carol has been a quintessential example of a faithful Christian who was giving, loving and selfless. She instilled those values into her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children - her sons, Kurt (Sojaila and Dominic LoPresto) of Orlando, FL and his children John, Andrea and Alexander Smith of Rochester, NY; Gregg of Greenville, SC; and daughter, Kerry (David) Muench and their children Dean, Clark and Vivian of Simpsonville, SC; her sisters-in-law; Joan and Nancy Dennee; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe (January 3,1975) and Catherine (September 26, 1984); and brothers Bob (November 7, 2001) and Terry (December 29, 2000).
A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 AM Friday, August 26, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 8 Gillin Drive, Simpsonville, SC 29680. Memorials can be made in her memory to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church at www.osvhub.com/seas-church/giving/funds or to Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church at www.osvhub.com/olrgreenville/giving/funds.