Mary Lee Nielson Smith passed away on Nov. 1, 2014 at age 75 as a result of ovarian cancer.

Born in Logan Utah to Mary Baxter Nielson and Edward Nielson, Mary Lee was the amazing and devoted mother of Rodney Smith of Duchesne, Utah; Kelly Smith Keate of Santa Clara, California; Allison Smith (Joe Woolsey); of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Tyler Smith of Bainbridge Island.

Mary Lee leaves behind three grandchildren, Amy, Rebecca and Dalton; she is also survived by her sister Geraldine Nielson of Salt Lake City, Utah; and nephews Edward Hajj of Salt Lake City, Utah; Steve Nielson (Chris Nielson) of San Diego, California.

Mary Lee graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City and attended the University of Utah.

Mary Lee joined United Airlines in 1960 as a flight attendant, using Chicago and San Francisco as home bases when she wasn’t flying, until resigning in order to get married.

She married Allan Smith in 1965 and lived in the Uinta Basin on the Smith family ranch until they divorced in 1976.

In 1980 she moved to Florida, staying until 1985 when she moved to San Diego to work again for United Airlines, and flew internationally until 1998. In 2005 Mary Lee moved to Bainbridge Island.

Mary Lee loved life, her family and friends.

Her wonderful sense of humor, delightful spirit and love will be greatly missed.