Mary Lee Small

Mary Lee Small, 85, of Naples, died Monday, July 6, 2015 at her residence. Formerly of Clearwater, FL and Pennington, NJ, she was a Naples resident at Bentley Village since 2001. Mrs. Small was born Mary Lee Burroughs in Pennington, NJ on January 17, 1930, the daughter of Robert F. Burroughs and Leona Hodson Burrroughs. She is preceeded in death by her husband of 63 years, Norman Clifford Small, Jr. in 2014 , her parents and three brothers, George Hodson Burroughs, Robert F. Burroughs Jr., and David B. Burroughs. Mrs Small was a registered nurse and a graduate of Skidmore College (1951). She married Mr. Small on September 8, 1951 and took much joy from her life as a homemaker. She was a loving mother, playful grandmother, and devoted and steadfast wife. A ray of sunshine, she always looked at the bright side of life, enjoyed laughter with good friends, and never had an unkind word. Growing up with 2 older brothers, she would say, she learned to be unfailingly strong in life's tough situations. She was always happy in and around the water, whether she was sailing or swimming. Whales, dolphins, or seals would always be around when she walked on a beach, from her favorite Barefoot Beach in Florida to Point Reyes in California. Summers at Hiram Blake Camp in Maine with her husband and family were filled with painting, sailing her small red sailboat, and relaxing by the shore. A talented artist and singer, she enjoyed singing in the choir at church, and in the Belles and Bows at Bentley Village. She is survived by her beloved daughters, Jill (Carl) Grundberg of Berkely, California, and Jean Ellen Johnson of Crystal, Minnesota, and two cherished grandchildren, Peter Johnson and Shelley (Erik) Dahl. A private graveside service will be held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, Florida. A celebration of her life will be announced for friends and family at Bentley Village in Naples. To her honor her life of giving to help others, the family suggests that memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home

Mary Lee Small

January 17, 1930 - July 6, 2015