Mary Kay Smith

Mary Kay Smith (Reynolds) died peacefully in her Woodstock, Il  home surrounded by family on March 20, 2023 at the age of 71.

Mary Kay is survived by her husband, Steve; children, Steve (Megan) Smith, Woodstock, Il; Brad (Ashley) Smith, Rapid City, S.D; Kristen (John) Cannon, Marengo, Il; grandchildren, Brady and Madison Cannon; Payton and Gracie Smith; and Myles Smith.

She is also survived by brothers, Ron Reynolds, Trevillians, Va; Richard (Pat) Reynolds, Sharon, Wi; Phil Reynolds, Ledyard, Ia; and special cousin, Roxie Kaminski, Woodstock, Il.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James (Mick) and Dorothy Reynolds; her brother, Jim Reynolds, Birmingham, Al; sister in law, Diane Reynolds, Huntsville, Al; grandparents, Floyd and Velma Colwell, Humboldt, Ia; Mary Colwell, Ledyard, Ia; and Lark and Mamie Reynolds, Swea City, Ia.

Mary Kay was born on March 26, 1951 in Atlanta, Ga. and  moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois in 1960 with her family.

She attended St. Thomas Catholic School, Crystal Lake Central High School and McHenry County College, Crystal Lake. She married her high school sweetheart and best friend, Steve (Willie) in 1971. He was her rock, even more so in the later years. Their first home was in Cary, Il, but in 1976 they settled into their Woodstock home for the past 45 years where they raised their three children.

In the first few years of marriage, Mary Kay worked at Sherman Hospital, Elgin,  IL as a nurse’s aide. After moving to Woodstock, she stayed home to raise her children. She resumed working at Olson School in Woodstock, then at Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 as substitute coordinator and administrative assistant for Superintendents’ Rick Bernotas and Ron Miller. After leaving full time employment, she continued part time employment at the McHenry County Government Center, Woodstock and Indian Prairie Elementary School in Crystal Lake.

Mary Kay’s children remember her as being a dedicated and supportive  Mom, especially with their sports, rarely missing a game, whether it be baseball, soccer, basketball, track, wrestling or softball. She encouraged  kindness and acceptance for everyone regardless of race or religion. She strived to teach the same to her grandchildren.

Mary Kay had a special love and dedication for dogs, any kind – mutt or purebred, she loved them all. She will be sorely missed by her fur kids Shilah, Lucy and Archie. She was very generous to a fault, wanting to help every Facebook Go Fund request, the homeless, and any stray animal or endangered creature.

There will be a private burial for family determined on a later date.  Those who wish to acknowledge Mary Kay’s life may donate or volunteer at any animal rescue of your choice.

Call Saunders Funeral Home & Crematory for more information at 815-420-3030.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.