Mary E. Smolinski

Mary E. Smolinski, of Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. She was 93.

Born on November 24, 1932, in Niagara Falls, New York, Mary was the daughter of the late Conrad J. and Sophie F. (Gorczynski) Struzik. She was a proud graduate of Niagara Falls High School, Class of 1949.

Mary married the love of her life, Henry R. "Hank" Smolinski, in 1952 in Buffalo, New York. Together they shared 51 wonderful years of marriage, filled with love, devotion, and cherished memories, until Hank's passing in 2003.

For many years, Mary worked as a receptionist in the medical field, where her warm personality and caring nature made lasting impressions on those she served. She was an avid Buffalo sports fan who faithfully cheered on the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, often staying up later after the games to listen to post game commentary. She recalled attending the 1991 SuperBowl as one of her high lights of her life. Mary found great joy in entertaining family and friends in her home, playing cards, and attending the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. One of her greatest pleasures was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and flourish. Above all else, Mary treasured the time she spent with her family, who were the center of her life and greatest source of happiness.

Her Polish heritage was extremely important to her as she hosted Vigilia dinners and Swieconka on Holy Saturday, a tradition her family continues to celebrate each year.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Mary was predeceased by her loving daughter, Wendy Thompson; her son-in-law, Gary Reed; and her dear brothers, Conrad J. Struzik, Jr. and Anthony Struzik.

Mary is survived by her loving daughters, Karen (Bob Wilk) Smolinski and Lynn Reed; her son-in-law, Kevin Thompson; her cherished grandchildren, Andrea (Hasheen) DeBerry, Casey (Charles) Button, and Kristopher (Madison Marshman) Thompson; and her adored great-grandchildren, Camryn DeBerry, Emerson Button, Arthur DeBerry, Elizabeth Button, and Edie Button. She is also survived by her dear brother, Joseph (Gail) Struzik; her caring sister-in-law, Martha Struzik; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hardison Funeral Homes, Inc., 401 Ridge Street, Lewiston, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Peter R.C. Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the church. Interment will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lewiston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary's memory to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 1023 Swann Road, Youngstown, NY 14174.

Please share condolences with the family at HardisonFuneralHomes.com.