Mary Marie Friday, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on February 23, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mary was born on January 20, 1942 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where she attended school and lived for many years until eventually moving to Naples, Florida where she served as Administrative Assistant to the Naples Fire Chief - a job she loved. She then retired near the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains in Maryville, Tennessee.

Mary was known for her thoughtful personality and caring heart. Everywhere she went, she made a friend. Her ability to listen to others and make them feel respected and special never wavered. She enjoyed the simple things in life - cooking and baking, gardening, taking care of her yard and watching the birds. She especially loved it when her grandchildren from Rhinelander visited, and always celebrated the occasion with a dinner of her delicious homemade “Grammy’s spaghetti.” Every day was a gift to Mary and she lived each to the fullest. She will be remembered and deeply missed by many.

Together with her partner, Bruce Sansone, they built a life full of happiness and adventure. Whether it was traveling to Wisconsin, upstate New York or throughout Florida and Tennessee, they enjoyed countless moments of fun and made beautiful memories along the way. Their story is one of great respect and love and it will be cherished for years to come.

Mary is survived by her partner, Bruce Sansone; daughter Theresa (Gregg) Werner and grandchildren Quinn, Ellery and Tate; her daughter Traci (Tony) Biolo and grandchildren Haley (Max) Breidel and Drake (Elizabeth) Biolo; her great-grandchildren; sister Sharon (Robert) Van Ryzin, nieces and nephews, and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Agnes (Heise) Huber, brother Michael Huber, sister Debi (Huber) Labodda, paternal grandparents Hazel (Lee) and Louis Huber Sr., and maternal grandparents Othelia (Thompson) and August Heise.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the University of Tennessee Hospice Team, especially Nurse Chandra and Nurse Deidre for their compassionate care and kindness. Each day they brought great comfort to Mary and her family.

While the days ahead will be tough without Mary’s kindness, infectious laugh and positive personality, she will always be loved and remembered for the beautiful person she was and the countless lives she touched.

Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.