Ann Elizabeth Smuniewski

Ann Elizabeth Smuniewski, 82, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 24, 1942, in Sacramento, CA, Ann was the daughter of the late Teresa Peragallo Marth and the late James Marth Sr.

In addition to her parents, Ann is preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Lynn Smuniewski; mother-in-law, Elsie Smuniewski, father-in-law, Stanley Smuniewski Sr, and brother-in-law, Allen Pritchard.

Ann is survived by her loving husband, Stanley Smuniewski Jr.; her daughter, Michelle Nichols (Chris); her sons, Michael Smuniewski (Jennifer), Mark Smuniewski (Cathy), and Kevin Smuniewski (Jennifer); her sisters, Linda Henry (Tom) and Nancy Pritchard (Allen); and her brother, James Marth Jr. (Susan). She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren — Donnie Tyrell, Amanda Shaw, Ashley Tyrell, Matthew Smuniewski, Drew Smuniewski, Mackenzie Nichols, Madeline Nichols, Michael Smuniewski Jr., and Caden Smuniewski — and a cherished great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren.

Ann, affectionately known in her childhood as "Bebe," was born into a joyful, loving military family. Throughout her early life, she lived in various places across the United States, including Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, Nevada, California, and even the island of Guam—her favorite of all. Guam held many cherished memories, especially the adventures she shared with her sisters, from beach days and swimming to proudly participating in the Girl Scouts.

After her father’s retirement from the military, the family returned to Sacramento, California. Ann attended North Highlands High School and later, American River Junior College. Driven by a strong sense of duty and purpose, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. It was there she met the love of her life, Stanley, who was also stationed at the airbase. The two were married in a small ceremony at the Charleston Air Force Base chapel on April 15, 1964.

Ann began her professional life in employee relations at the airbase before becoming a devoted mother to five children. Her greatest joy was her family, and she poured her heart into raising her children with the same strong morals and values that shaped her own life. She was a woman who always placed her family’s needs above her own.

As her children grew older, Ann returned to the workforce, taking on various roles in childcare and administrative support. Most notably, she served for over a decade as a research assistant for Project Sugar and as an assistant to dental faculty at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Beyond her career, Ann was deeply committed to her community. She volunteered generously with numerous charitable organizations, including the Does Drove 231 at the Elks Lodge where she was a member for over 30 years. In addition to her philanthropy, she also served on several committees and was honored as Doe of the Year. She also gave her time as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and a Poll Manager during local and national elections.

Since 1968, Ann was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in West Ashley, where her faith continued to guide her life. In her free time, she found joy in home projects, shopping for the perfect deal, going on cruises, and spending time with her beloved grandchildren and granddogs. She was also a loving caregiver to her cherished ragdoll cats.

Ann’s life was defined by love, service, and unwavering devotion to family and faith. Her warmth, strength, and generosity touched countless lives and left behind a legacy that will endure through all who knew and loved her.

A private service will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pet Helpers (1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.