Mary Nell Svites, 70, of Hughesville, MD, passed away at her residence on July 8, 2012 surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on November 4, 1941 in Springfield, MO, the daughter of the late George Ganey Sr. and the late Mary (Reid) Ganey.

A graduate of Anacostia High School, she lived in Washington, D.C. for most of her childhood. She married Ronald Svites in June of 1966 and was married 46 years this past June. They lived in Hughesville for 39 years.

Mary's nickname was Grammy and she was a devoted mother and grandmother. She worked as a bookkeeper for Waste Management and retired in 2002. Mary enjoyed crocheting, watching classic movies and shopping. She was a volunteer at St. Mary's Hospital, a substitute teacher for T.C. Martin Elementary and Milton Somers Middle School from the 1970's until the late 1980's, and was involved in Relay for Life.

As often as possible, she would enjoy trips to Colorado to visit her son and granddaughter and to North Carolina to visit her daughter. Ocean City, Maryland was a special place where she enjoyed many family vacations. Her favorite sporting events included watching the Capitals and anything involving her granddaughters.

In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her father-in-law, Ernest Svites; and her brother George Ganey, Jr.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Svites; her 3 sons, David Christopher Svites and wife, Jennie, Duane Keith Svites and wife, Nancy, and Craig Alan Svites; her daughter, Karen Marie Svites and husband, Zach Comer; her sister, Gladys Giffin and husband, Donald; her sister-in-law, Blondell Ganey; her mother-in-law, Theresa Svites; and her 5 grandchildren, Allison, Laura, Brooke, Rachel and Samantha.

Family and friends will be received for Mary's Life celebration on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 10-11AM at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road (Route 5 South), Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. There will be a Service starting at 11AM at Brinsfield-Echols. Deacon Henry Middleton will officiate. A family Inurnment will be held Friday morning.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: MedStar St. Mary's Hospital Cancer Patient Services, 25500 Point Lookout Road Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.