I see now that the default File Manger is actually Thunar. In Thunar, after initial Browse Network > smb://share and then initially setting the password for the share, I can right click the mounted share under “Network” (left window) and create a shortcut that is then placed under “Places” (left window). The share and saved passwd persists after a reboot. Perfect! This is all I need. Built in. Very nice. Solved!