Mary Anne SMITH

STRENG - Mary Anne Smith Gauthier Streng, aged 79, of Grand Rapids, on August 21, 2005 hugged to her breast her two predeceased grandchildren, Patrick and Katie Gauthier, while celebrating and kicking up her heels drinking Dry Manhattans with her father, Dewitt Smith, mother, Marion Debree, stepfather, Ray Debree, brother, Joseph (Marilyn) Smith, and first husband of 14 years, Richard E. Gauthier. Waiting to eventually join her is her husband of 39 years, 2 months and 21 days, Richard Streng; children, Brendan (Dee) Gauthier, Paul (Karen) Gauthier, Daniel (Marion) Gauthier, Claire Marie (Robert) Eady, Brian (Katherine) Gauthier, Richard (Samantha) Gauthier, Andrew Gauthier, and Philip (Dawnielle) Streng; 21 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a raft of nieces and nephews; and innumerable friends. Mary Anne graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Michigan State University. She taught Spanish and English at Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the late '40's. Mary Anne was the love of Rich Streng's life and the life of his love-a terrific stay-at-home wife and mother. Mary Anne also tutored at St. John's Home for ten years once her last baby Philip had been in school a few years. Mary Anne loved parties and seldom missed one. The family thanks Visiting Nurses Hospice for their kind and generous help. A celebration of her life and the Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr., SE, with Rev. James A. Chelich, presiding. Interment is in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd., SE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Home, 2355 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Published in the Grand Rapids Press on 8/22/2005.