Mary Bucaro Smythe OBITUARY

Mary Bucaro Smythe OBITUARY

Mary was born in Chicago on February 22, 1934, reposed on June 20, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Edward Smythe; loving mother of Maryterese “Mimi” (Daniel) Ceko and Julie (Dr. George) Zahrebelski; cherished grandmother of Edward and Emily Zahrebelski. Mary was the youngest child of Vito and Pietrina Bucaro. Her early memories were impacted by the Great Depression which made her grateful for all that she had throughout her life. Those early years were also full of laughter with her siblings, especially her sister Tone who always found ways to make Mary laugh. Mary graduated from Steinmetz High School and DePaul University. She later received her master’s degree from Governor’s State University. At DePaul, she met Edward Smythe and they began dating and then married in 1960. They settled down on the Northwest side in a house built by Mary’s brother Marty. For over sixty years, Mary enjoyed spending time with all her neighbors, organizing the garden walk, Flag Day parade and watching the neighborhood children grow into adults.

Mary was a PE teacher and in 1962, she joined the teaching staff at Mother Guerin High School in River Grove. For the next nearly forty years, Mary taught over ten thousand girls at Guerin not just PE but shared her life lessons and philosophies influencing the young women to be true to themselves and their faith. As the years went on, there were innumerable examples of Guerin graduates recognizing “Mrs. Smythe” just by hearing her voice at Disney World, a doctor’s office, store or countless other places. She was always glad to see them again. Mary especially enjoyed spending time with former students Dee Susin, Adrienne Herbert and Jan Wilson, who became dear friends and were so helpful to Mary over the years.

Later in her career, Mary took on a second job to help her family, becoming the evening playground teacher at Goethe playground in Chicago. As expected, Mary became a positive force in the community rallying children, teens and parents to get involved in cooking classes, parades and competitions. Working with her teaching partner, Jim Duszak, who became a great friend, Mary learned about the community and sought to make it a better place. For years, Mary received calls, letters and visits from the “playground kids” thanking their beloved “Teach” for all she did for them.

Mary was always thankful for her large family both on the Bucaro and Smythe branches. Mary and Ed even extended their family with their dear friends Charlie and Dorothy Majdanski. They were Uncle Charlie and Aunt Dorothy to Mimi and Julie and that continued into the next generation with Julie’s children. Charlie and Dorothy’s daughter Judy and her husband David Smith were extended family members who were always there to help with anything Mary needed. She enjoyed watching the family grow with each generation. She enjoyed all the times using the family recipe to make homemade Italian sausage with her nephew Tom’s family. Mary was grateful for the help provided by her niece Kathy and her husband Arno. They were always willing to lend a hand whatever the job called for: spreading mulch in the garden, repairing things, moving furniture and anything else. The acts of kindness of all her nieces and nephews are too numerous to name.

Preceded in death by her husband, Edward, her parents, Vito and Pietrina Bucaro; her brothers and sisters-in-law, John (Eleanor) and Marty (Catherine); and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose (William) Trunk and Antoanette (Tom) Iwanski. Mary is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Catholic Church, 6020 W. Ardmore Ave., Chicago, IL 60646 on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 11 AM. Will lie in state from 9:30 AM until time of service. Interment Maryhill Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 8600 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles IL In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.