Mary Aurelia (Smith) Mobbs
February 27, 1926 – June 14, 2007
On Thursday, June 14th, Mary Aurelia Mobbs, 81, died peacefully in Andover surrounded by all of her children and several of her grandchildren. Aurelia was formerly of Winchester and Andover and of Pinehurst, NC.
“Lee” was born on February 27th, 1926. She attended Limestone College in Gaffney, SC for four years and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1946. She went on to become a Second Lieutenant of the Medical Corps in the United States Army at a time when it was unusual for a woman to be an officer. She was stationed in San Antonio, TX and later transferred to the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC.
On May 29th, 1950 she was married to the late Dr. Robert Fredrick Mobbs formerly of Woburn, and thus began the great adventure. “Doc.” Mobbs’ primary profession was medicine but his passion was pesticides and their impact on people’s health all around the world. She created the loving space for their family while Doc would go off to fight the battle. Their partnership allowed them to balance this lifelong quest with raising five children.
Aurelia’s heart, and her home, was always big enough for those with personal challenges – those with a hungry soul or a hungry stomach. The invitations to her table were based on need not on status. She saw this as her call and responded to it all her life. To those who experienced her hospitality and care, she was an amazing example.
She maintained a youthful and energetic presence well past her eightieth birthday. Her love for tennis continued beyond most of her younger partners. The North Carolina coast provided a relaxing retreat for Doc and Lee and served as a gathering place for frequent family reunions.
She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry George Smith of Gibson, NC, sister of Reginald Smith, Zelma Gardner, Iris Keith, the late H.G. Smith, the late Lois Webster, and the late Lemar Smith. She is survived by her five children, Betty Mobbs and Stephanie Deady, both of Andover, Rick Mobbs of Willington, NC, Melanie McDonald of Aberdeen, NC, and Alice O’Leary of Winchester. She has nineteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
A celebration of Aurelia’s life will be held on Wednesday June 20, 2007 at 4:00 PM at South Church in Andover. Refreshments will be served after the service in the fellowship hall. A second celebration will be held in Holden Beach, NC in July at a time to be announced later. Contributions in her memory and in lieu of flowers may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843.
