Mary Lou Smith

Funeral Services and a Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Lou Smith, 87, of Davenport, formerly of Andalusia, will be Friday, May 4, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 2618 Boies Avenue, Davenport.  Private family burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park.  The family will greet friends Thursday, May 3rd from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, 614 Main Street, downtown Davenport.  Mary Lou passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, surrounded by her family.

Mary Lou Sweeney was born March 31, 1931 in Davenport, a daughter of William and Ethel (Walker) Sweeney.  She was united in marriage to James J. Smith February 19, 1955 at St. Alphonsus Church.  They shared 54 ½ years of marriage together before Jim preceded her in death September 22, 2009.

Mary Lou worked as an Avon Lady in addition to working at Highland Potato Chip, Blackhawk Video, JC Penney and Genesis Hospital, before retiring.  She always made sure to make birthdays and holidays special with treats and fun.  She loved being surrounded by her family.  Mary Lou was an outstanding mother, cook and leader of our family.  She made sure each child knew the value of hard work, to be independent and value and protect family.  She was a woman of faith.  She loved watching and encouraging her children and grandchildren in various sports and activities.

Memorials may be made to Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Camp Courageous, St. Alphonsus Church or Area Food Pantries.

Those left to honor Mary Lou’s memory include her children; Jim (Anne) Smith, Westminster, Colorado, Kathy (Don) Hall, Andalusia, Ann Weeks, Davenport, Jerry (Robin) Smith, Taylor Ridge, Karen (Larry) Cawiezell, Blue Grass, Joe (Sally) Smith, Bettendorf, John (Jean) Smith, Lakeland, Florida, and Jeff Smith, Davenport; 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Dorothy Schloemer, Davenport, Robert Sweeney, Alpha and William Sweeney, Milan; and a sister-in-law Betty Sweeney, Walcott..

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James, twin babies and brother, Jack Sweeney.  May they rest in peace.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for the wonderful and loving care that was given to their mother in her final days and to the family.