SMELICK, Mary Helen

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona February 20, 2003 Mary Helen Smelick, a woman of great compassion; a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister; and, a devout Christian: passed away on Monday, February 10, 2003, at the age of 93. Mary Helen McDonald was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi in 1909. Her father and mother (McBryde) both traced their roots to early American settlers that came to America from Scotland in the mid-eighteenth century. In 1910 her family moved from Mississippi to Phoenix where, along with three other pioneering Scottish families, they homesteaded in an area called Paradise Valley. Mary Helen graduated from Phoenix Union High School and attended Tempe State Teacher's College (now ASU). In 1917 she joined the Central Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and contributed her beautiful soprano voice to the Central Methodist Church Choir. In 1932 she married Valentine Smelick, a banking executive at Phoenix National Bank. They raised two sons, Don (a child actor, advertising executive and artist) and Robert (a banker), strongly supporting and encouraging each to pursue their own individual interests and talents. Throughout her life she touched people with her kindness, her awareness, her compassion, her sensitivity to others and her piercing common sense. She had an uncommon ability to understand and connect with others. Those who met her knew they had met a very special and loving person, as her warmth and gentle gestures left an indelible impression on all. She made many contributions, in many ways; but always with grace, humility and, frequently, anonymity. She is survived by her two sons, Don Ross of Phoenix and Robert Smelick of Sausalito, California; her sister, Jean Hensley, and brother-in-law Frank Hensley; her daughter-in-law, Gail Sterling Smelick; and her three grandchildren, Christopher, Alexandra and Gillian Smelick. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to be held March 1, 2003, at 11:00 AM, at the Central United Methodist Church, 1875 North Central Avenue (at Palm Lane), Phoenix, Arizona (85004). A reception will follow this service in Kendall Hall at the church. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to Central United Methodist Church. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.