Mary R. Billings (Smucz), 89, Massena

MASSENA - Mary R. Billings (Smucz) passed away on March 30th, 2024, at 89.

She was born in Massena, NY, on September 9th, 1934, to Simon and Rose Smucz.

She was raised in a neighborhood she fondly called the United Nations of Massena. She was educated in Massena schools, where she graduated in 1952.

Mary found love and her forever dance partner with Richard Billings. They wed in February 1954 in a small ceremony. Their dance continued with the birth of their three sons, Richard, Michael, and Mark (Susan).

Grandchildren followed, and despite the fact they were not all raised in Massena, they always knew a piece of home when they were with their grandma.

From stories to dress-up to arts and crafts, paper dolls, trips to the family camp, and the occasional heated card game. Her patience and love was limitless.

Mary was very active in her neighborhood of Kennedy Court, and as a neighbor, she was always ready to help with collecting mail, watching the house, a chat on the porch, or, if you were very lucky, her homemade sauce and cabbage rolls.

Many people knew of Mary B. and knew where to go if they needed help. Mary was also a great lover of music and dancing and was known to jitterbug at a moment's notice and dance in kitchens and restaurants.

Surviving Mary are her beloved husband of 70 years, Richard; her sons, Richard and Mark (Susan); one brother, Joseph Smucz, one sister, Katherine Schurawel (Nicholas), two sisters-in-law, Mary Jane and Leigh; three grandchildren: Emily (Pete), Hillary (William), and Chandler (Benjamin); from Mark's second marriage a granddaughter, Pauline, her son Jaxon, a great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her parents and a son, Michael.

Per Mary's request, no services will be held.

A small family gathering will be scheduled at a later date.

Please, in lieu of flowers or other memorials, consider a donation to the Massena Public Library.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com.