Mimi Smitten

Mary E. "Mimi" Smitten, 79, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at Chateau Girardeau Nursing Center.

She was born July 30, 1925, in St. Joseph, Mo., daughter of Thomas B. and Juanita Woods Allen Jr. She and Kenneth H. Smitten Jr. were married May 6, 1948, in Sikeston, Mo. He died July 11, 1990.

Smitten graduated from Stephens College and Julliard School of Music in New York with a degree in harp. She taught master classes in harp technique at Stephens College.

She was a harpist, arranger and composer and performed in concerts around the world with St. Louis, New York and other orchestras. She also performed on television specials and for the American Harp Society.

Smitten arranged, performed and was the first innovator in the realm of jazz harp. She recorded three albums of her music and an album of fantasy for children.

She was a former Business and Professional Women's Club Woman of the Year, member of Daughters of the American Revolution, and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Sikeston.

Smitten was listed in "Who's Who of Music," "International Who's Who in Music," and "The World Who's Who of Women."

Survivors include a daughter, Linda Phelan of St. Louis; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son and her stepmother.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. today.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, with Swayne Byrd officiating. Burial will be at a later time in Sikeston City Cemetery.