Mari Edd Smutzer, 70, of Union Mills, IN, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Mari was born on October 23, 1954, in La Porte, IN, to Edward J. and Patricia (Cummings) Gayda, who passed when Mari was very young. At the tender age of two and a half, Mari was lovingly adopted by Mary Jane Gayda, upon the marriage union of Edward J. and Mary Jane (Petrowski) Gayda.
On May 3, 1993, in La Porte, IN, she married Bruce, who preceded her in death. Surviving Mari are her son, Lennie J. Sawyer, III of Union Mills; grandchildren, Brittany (Jess) Sawyer of Chesterton, Brianna Sawyer of La Porte, Lennie J. Sawyer, IV of La Porte, and Lennox J. Sawyer of Walkerton; stepdaughter, Georgene Smutzer; beloved mother, Mary Jane Gayda; sister, Diane (Andy) Cleek; brother, Garry (Monica) Gayda; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mari was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce A. Smutzer; father, Edward J. Gayda; mother, Patricia Gayda; brother, Mark Gayda; and special dogs, Molly and Basha.
She worked many years in the clerical field of work, working at various area manufacturers. Mari also lovingly provided care as a caregiver and provided her service as a Notary to the community.
Mari was a member of the Post 295 Legion Auxiliary and the Union Mills Conservation Club. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, watching soap operas, and bird watching. Mari was a huge Green Bay Packers fan, as well as a fan of NASCAR, particularly Jeff Gordon. She loved driving her Hershey Kiss golf cart. Most importantly, Mari loved spending time with her grandchildren and family.
Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Union Mills Conservation Club, 100 Mill Pond Rd, Union Mills, IN 46382.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Lennie J. Sawyer, III, 2900 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN 46350 or to the donor's choice.
Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.
