Lt. Col. Mary Ellen Smith, MSN., 83, a resident of Clarks Summit, PA, and formerly of Honesdale, PA, and Lake Lorraine, PA, died Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at Clarks Summit Senior Living.

Born June 8, 1939 in Carbondale, PA, she was the daughter of the late John "Chick" and Catherine Baker Smith.

Mary Ellen was a graduate of St. Rose High School, Carbondale, PA, and earned her R.N. degree in nursing from St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing, Carbondale, PA. She later earned a B.S.N. degree from Marywood University and a M.S.N. degree from the University of Florida.

Mary Ellen served as a U.S. Army nurse on the frontlines of the Vietnam War and made her career as a nurse in the military prior to her retirement in 1988. She served in all aspects of nursing at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and had the privilege of traveling the world during her service time.

Her greatest joy was living at her cottage on Lake Lorraine where she enjoyed crafts, baking cakes and caring for her silver poodles, Princess and Harley. She was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Honesdale, PA, and VFW Post 531, Honesdale, PA.

The family would like to thank the staff at Clarks Summit Living for all of their compassionate care to Mary Ellen during her stay.

She is survived by her cousins: James "Terry" Baker and wife, Mary Kay of Clarks Summit, PA, and Vero Beach, FL, Kathleen Palermo of Williamstown, NJ, and Patricia Pelton and husband, David of Clifford Township, PA; her caretaker and very special friend: John Holmes; and numerous friends and extended family.

She was preceded in death by two cousins: Robert Baker and Sharon Wade.

A blessing service was held Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 18 Airport Road, Clifford, PA. Interment with military honors, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA.

Pallbearers: David Pelton, Matthew Pelton, Christopher Wade, Daniel Wade, Justin Felici and John Holmes.

A viewing was held Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations were sent to the Dessin Animal Shelter, 138 Miller Drive, Honesdale, PA 18431