Obituary of Mae D. Smith

Mae Dolores Smith (nee Irby) also known as Miss Mae, died on August 19, 2015 in Vineland, NJ due to complications following bladder cancer. She was 81. Ms. Smith was born on May 10, 1934 to her parents, Bertha and Samuel Irby in Baltimore Maryland. The Irby's moved to New York where she grew up and lived until 1972. Mae moved to Lake Hiawatha, NJ and continued to work in the women's clothing industry (Ormond Shops) and then for Seiko. She completely retired in 1999, moving to Vineland, NJ where she dedicated her remaining time to caring for her granddaughter, spending time and traveling with the Senior Club of Padre Pio, as well as volunteering at the First United Methodist Church food and clothing bank. Ms. Smith was a patient and supportive person with a passion for crocheting, watching old westerns and black and white movies from the 1930-50's. She loved reading romance novels. She had a passion and love for education as demonstrated by her support of and volunteering time for her daughter's school and students. She was also a Girl Scout leader for many years for her daughter's troop while in New York City. Inspiring creativity and dedication in others was her life-long goal. Ms. Smith is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dannielle and Glenn Muller of Vineland, NJ; her daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Bernard Crumbley of Middletown, NY; her brothers, John Irby, Robert Irby and Douglas Irby; her sisters, Ella Thornton, Betty Irby and Siba Irby; two grandchildren, Nerys Muller and Shamaine Nials; two great grandchildren, Matthew Alexis Nials, Jr., and Jada Seraiah Nials; as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sisters, Evelyn Rhodes and Doris Storey; brother, Samuel Irby; and her daughter, Diedra Buie. A memorial will take place on Sunday, August 23rd at 5pm at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland. Burial will be private. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ms. Smith's life on Sunday from 4pm to 5pm at the funeral home. Please wear an article of red clothing as this was her favorite color. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.