Mary Voigt, a long-time Downers Grove resident, didn’t do anything halfway.
She bought a BMW in her eighties. She hosted family gatherings that filled entire rooms. She argued—enthusiastically—and gave generously, often at the same time.
And today, her legacy is still in motion.
In 2023, just weeks before her 100th birthday, Mary passed away, leaving behind a life shaped by independence, curiosity, and deep care for others. Mary’s impact continues to grow in ways she would have loved, and her story lives on through her charitable legacy and heartfelt participation from loved ones in partnership with the Foundation.
At the center of that story is Steve Smith, a close family friend of Mary, her estate steward, and successor donor-advisor, who, together with his wife, Christine, now carries forward her vision through the Mary L. Voigt Fund.
FROM FRIENDSHIP TO FAMILY
Mary became part of Steve’s life early on. What started as a workplace friendship with Steve’s mother quickly turned into something more. Mary joined family holidays, Sunday dinners, and everyday moments. Over time, she became a constant presence as someone who showed up, spoke her mind, and cared deeply.
“She became an aunt to me and my sister, and she’s been a second grandmother to all of our kids,” said Steve.
That bond only deepened over the years. After Steve’s mother passed in 2016, Mary remained a steady, motherly figure in his life. It’s that familial closeness and trust that ultimately led Mary to put her legacy in Steve and Christine’s hands, together with DuPage Foundation.
Mary Voigt (center) celebrating Mother’s Day 2022 with Christine Smith (left) and Mary’s grand-niece, Jennifer Havenga (right).
A GIVING SPIRIT THAT NEVER STOPPED
Mary had strong opinions. She was a feisty debater. But at her core, she gave—quietly, consistently, and with intention.
She volunteered at food banks. She made quilts for women in need. She funded a library so others could have access to books. She gave where she saw need, and where she felt connection.
And she made sure that giving would continue. When Mary began planning for the future, she worked with a trusted advisor who helped turn her generosity into something lasting. Her attorney, Brien Nagle, introduced her to the Foundation. That introduction helped Mary see how her giving could reach further, supporting both the causes she loved and the broader needs of DuPage County.
Before her passing, Mary established a donor-advised fund and named us as the residual beneficiary of her estate. That decision created something powerful: a permanent source of support for the causes she cared about and the community she called home.
CARRYING IT FORWARD
Today, Steve and Christine bring Mary’s same thoughtfulness to every decision they make, and they don’t take that responsibility lightly.
Mary (center, left) with Steve (left), Christine (center, right), and the Smiths’ son, Andrew (right) in 2021.
“Mary told me she trusted us to do what we felt was right,” said Steve. “By placing her trust in us, it’s almost like she’s passing on her philanthropic spirit.”
Since succeeding Mary as advisors for her fund, Steve and Christine have recommended a number of grants honoring Mary’s interests as well as their own.
Building on Mary’s belief in the importance of permanent sources of support, this past spring they recommended a significant grant for our $35-million All In DuPage community endowment campaign, helping ensure we have the capacity and infrastructure to respond to our community’s evolving needs for years to come.
By providing generous support for both the expansion of our office space and our Operating Endowment Fund, the Smiths are securing our ability to deliver lasting impact. It’s a decision rooted in trust, and it reflects Mary’s own instincts.
For Steve, this work has become more than stewardship. It’s become a source of connection and happiness.
“I have found so much joy in selecting quality nonprofits that need resources,” he said.
That joy shows up in the details. Reviewing grant requests. Learning about local organizations.
Responding to real, immediate needs and opportunities. But ultimately, deciding how to give comes back to Mary’s influence.
“Making these grants is what Mary would have loved,” said Steve. “Her legacy is in her giving nature that will support our community for generations.”
Mary (center) celebrating Mother’s Day 2022 with Jennifer (left) and Steve and Christine (right).
A LEGACY IN MOTION
Mary Voigt lived a full life—one marked by independence, humor, and generosity.
“The night Mary died, I told her, ‘When you get to heaven, try not to argue with God until after you’re on the other side of the gates,’” said Steve. “She cracked a little smile, so I knew she heard me.”
Today, Mary’s legacy continues to create impact across DuPage County. Through Steve and Christine’s stewardship and our partnership, her charitable investment is doing exactly what she intended: helping people, supporting nonprofits, and strengthening the community she loved.
