Smetherman, Maxine "Mackie" S.

1952 ~
 2020

OBITUARY

Maxine “Max” Slafka Smetherman, age 68, passed away on October 28th, 2020. Mackie, to her family, was born in Bremond, Texas to Frank and Rose (Kowalski) Slafka, the youngest of four children, on September 24, 1952.  The moment the world met Mackie, the world smiled and fell in love with her. Mackie was the essence of love, radiant in her constant smile, beautiful her grace and devotion to God, her family, and to every child, every person, every soul she met. Mackie married Simon Jesse Smetherman May 29, 1982. She built her dream house twice with the love of her life, her “Babes”, Jesse Smetherman and created a home for her wonderful children Steven and Catherine “Katie” Smetherman, the biggest blessing of her life. Her home was always open to anyone as nieces, nephews, and friends found warmth, love, and security as we all took turns living with her and her family. Mackie and Jesse provided an example of a loving marriage to each and every one they met. Through the course of her life, she always put others ahead of herself. She compassionately lifting up children in need through her work in special education in Humble ISD and St. Martha’s Catholic Church. We all at some time sought her council or compassion. In her life, she changed the world with a smile, grace, compassion, beauty, and unconditional love. We are at a loss for words losing this angel who walked among us and will have to rely on her own words to pull us forward. So, we raise our eyes and hearts to heaven and shout “Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all the saints”, as we are left to pick up where she left and try to leave our world as she would have wanted it.

Mackie is preceded in death by Frank and Rose (Kowalski) Slafka, her dear friends Steven Riegel and Robert Miller. She is survived by her loving husband Simon Jesse Smetherman, her children Steven Jesse Smetherman and Catherine Rose Smetherman, her siblings Frank Jr. Slafka, Mary Ann Slafka Leach, and Johnnie Rose Slafka Gouge.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 20, 2020 at St. Martha’s Catholic Church. Graveside services will be held at 10:4 5 a.m., Monday, November 23, 2020 at Houston National Cemetery.

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Service Information

A funeral mass will be held on November 20, 2020 at 10:30 am at St. Martha’s Catholic Church. Graveside will be at Houston National Cemetery on November 23, 2020 at 10:45 am.

To express your sympathy with a flower arrangement please contact our florist.

42 Responses

  1. We will sorely miss the positive attitude and all of the care and respect that Max had for the students of Humble ISD. Most importantly, we will miss your bright light and companionship! Love, Gwen

  2. I am saddened to hear of Max’s passing. While our interactions were on a professional level, she had a profound influence on me. She was so positive and uplifting and honestly made learning fun. My heartfelt prayers for her family during this time. She will be missed.

  3. My sincerest condolences to the Smetherman family. Max was such a delightful person to be around and will surely be missed.

  4. Max,
    You were such an inspiration to so many of us here at Humble ISD. You had the heart of a servant and truly blessed so many just by your kind deeds. You will be loved and missed always.

  5. My sincere thoughts and prayers to Max’s family and friends. I met her at WHE. I always felt a sense of calm and support whenever she was around. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. Her smile, kindness and compassion for all children was a true gift to those of us who learned from her.

  6. My hear felt prayers and condolences goes out to this family for the passing of such a beautiful soul that Ms. Maxx had for everyone. She sure will be missed dearly and again my prayers are with each and every family member and other friends as well. God Bless All

  7. To the family of Maxine “Max” Smetherman you have my deepest sympathy. Mrs.Smetherman was one of the nicest persons I have eve met. She will be missed.

  8. I had the pleasure of attending multiple workshops that Max lead. She was inspirational, had a wealth of knowledge, and always, always made me laugh. I am sorry for you loss. She is irreplaceable and will be deeply missed.

  9. It is with profound sorrow that Max is no longer with us. It was an honor for me to have known her. Her dedication to our students, was obvious. God bless her and her family

  10. Max helped me to gain a better understanding of students with behavioral issues. It made all the difference in the world. I will miss you, but I know that you are with our Blessed Lord and Savior.

  11. When I first came to Humble ISD, Max was someone I knew I could look to for guidance and help. Her sunny disposition was a joy to be around. I know she will be greatly missed. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

  12. It is with great sadness to hear that Max has passed away. She will always be remembered for her love for the students of Humble ISD and her engaging professional development presentations. She was an amazing presenter and an inspiration to all of us in the teaching community.

    My deepest condolences,

    Hayley Manuel

  13. My greatest condolences to the family. I will always remember Max and her “Super Star” move during each CPI training I attended! We will miss her so much!!

  14. Max will always be remembered as a ray of light. She was always smiling and helping others. She will be missed by her HumbleISD family. Condolences to her family and friends.

  15. Max was such a ray of sunshine and lit up the room with her big smile and the sound of her laughter. Her desire, love, and passion for helping ALL children was inspiring. We will miss her. Praying for comfort during this difficult time for her family and friends.

  16. I have learned so much from Max in my short time knowing her. She was truly an inspiration to me and to all that she encountered. You will be truly missed.

  17. Oh Max! How you will be missed. I met you way back in the 90’s at swim team stuff for our kids. You were my neighbor and friend. Then I joined a SpEd team at BBE and got the privilege to work with you again. You are the brightest star in the sky. I will miss you friend.

  18. I’m so sad to hear this news. I met Max when our daughters were in NCL. Max was a very sweet and caring woman with a smile that made everyone know the love, joy, and peace that was inside her.

  19. My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family. May God wrap his arms around you and your family and give you all peace, comfort, and love.

  20. Words cannot describe our sadness for the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving cousin. Maxie was a ray of sunshine and a true gift from heaven. I know she is wrapping her angel wings around Jesse, Steven and Katie! I’m going to miss and love you every day my sweet “cuz”!

  21. I met Mackie before we even started school together in 1958 and I fell in love with her. My otherwise distaste for going to school was made a joy just knowing I would see her. Our close friendship continued throughout high school. She was the most sympathetic and loving person I knew while growing up. I could never get her to go along with me to judge or condemn anyone no matter how much I tried, as I was not such an unconditionally loving person as she was. I’m certain that her presence on this earth was a blessing to all who knew her and to this very world itself. May our tears of grief and loss be soon transformed into tears of joy for our good fortune to have walked our lives with Max. Love to all her family, friends, and acquaintances.

  22. Katie, I am sorry to hear about your Mom’s sudden passing. You are an angel just like her! What a legacy she leaves behind on you. Big hugs! Many blessings & love, Kimberly

  23. I was so sorry to hear that Max passed away – I send my sympathy to her family and friends. On more than one occasion, Max gave guidance to me and colleagues on how to help kids struggling with behavior. Max’s knowledge and experience, her patient and kind smile, and her care for our students will be missed so much!

  24. Max had such a positive energy and was always so helpful and kind to those around her. I was blessed to have known and worked with her for many years. My deepest sympathy goes to her family who she loved so much. Praying for God’s comfort and strength for each of you.

  25. Max helped launch my MK business by throwing a fabulous dinner party/MK party for me and a colleague. She was truly a sweet and thoughtful person. Condolences to all of Max’s family and friends.

  26. Max, I cannot believe you are gone. You always had the sweetest of smile and carried yourself with grace. Your compassion for students’ success is an inspiration. My prayers are with your family. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. You will be missed!

  27. Wow, Max I can’t believe it, you will be missed more than you know. Your kindness, and generosity was like no other. I will forever be grateful to you for being a blessing to me, and my babies. Rest in Peace.

  28. With love to the family of Max during this heartbreaking time. Max showed the utmost in love and patience for her students. I agree that she was an angel on earth and will continue to be for all who know. her.

  29. Max’s sweet soul was an example of unconditional love, kindness, and grace. The world has lost such a precious soul, and Heaven has gained an angel. She will be forever missed.

  30. My deepest sympathy to Max’s family. Max was a wonderful helper to her co-workers and students she served. She always had a smile on her face and cared deeply for others. She will be greatly missed.

  31. I am saddened to hear to Max’s passing. I will miss her bright personality and her infectious spirit. She has a heart of gold and made such a positive impact on so many students, parents and staff in Humble ISD. She will be missed by so many.

  32. I feel so much sorry for the loss of my dear cousin. To be honest, I never thought of her as my cousin, but as my aunt. I will miss running into her at H‑E‑B. I will miss her being our neighbor. I will miss her beautiful smile that stretched for miles. Max always encouraged me, always supported me and all of my endeavors. Ever since I was a tiny girl she called me her “miss America”. That is something I will never forget and I will always hold her kindness, grace, love and compassion for others near and dear to my heart. I miss her dearly, but know she is now looking out for all of us from a beautiful place of everlasting life. Uncle Jesse, Katie Rose, and Steven, you are all in my prayers. I pray for peace and understanding for you all. I love y’all. -Mel

  33. My sincere condolences to the family: Max, your smile could light up a room and your positive nature helped navigate many tough situations. You will be missed, rest well.

  34. I just heard about Max’s passing away. She was my neighbor and my heart is broken. My continued prayers will be with her family.

  35. Farewell, Max. You are greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Thank you for the honor of your friendship to us.

  36. I Worked with Max At Cambridge School What a Great lady she was and Heaven has definately gained another Angel. So sorry to the family for their loss. 🙁

  37. I am saddened to hear the news of Max. I saw her not too long ago at the YMCA. Max worked with us at Woodland Hills Elementary. She was a lady filled with grace. She will be missed by all of us.

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