Margarete A. Smith

Margarete was born in the east Texas town of Overton to Otis and Edith O’Dell in 1931 during the great Depression. She was raised as an only child in Louisiana. These roots came to personify her genteel southern manners and personality, with always a kind word and uplifting comment. Completing her formal education, she relocated north to Pennsylvania where she met and married her life partner, Willard E. Smith. Marge and Bill were blessed with 67 years of blissful marriage. Of this union were born 2 children, Kerry O. Smith and Sharon A Smith. Marge was a homemaker and faithful member of St. Johns UCC in Nazareth, Pennsylvania for over five decades. She was an early entrepreneur, providing day care for the children of other working mothers. The family loved camping and road trips throughout the United States. Marge then embarked on a career as a survey trainer, having completed studies in population census and surveys at the university of Chicago. In this capacity she traveled throughout the east coast training and managing staff. Many of the surveys she participated in contributed to N.I.H findings and policy. In 1988 Marge and Bill’s son Kerry (K.O.) married Maria Fodera Smith. This union culminated in one of the most joyful and blessed events for Marge, the birth of her grandson Ryan Thomas Smith. During the following years Marge and Bill were “snowbirds” dividing time between Pennsylvania and Orlando Florida, at the home of K.O., Maria and Ryan. Life was not without tragedy for Marge. In 2009, her daughter Sharon went to join our Lord. Thereafter Marge and Bill relocated full time to Orlando, Florida. The ensuing years were Marge’s reward for a just and faithful life well led. Family filled holidays, birthdays, card games and dominoes. She would sit down by the lake and watch her son, grandson and, yes, even Bill, jet ski while cheering them all on. Tragedy again struck in 2017 with the death of her son Kerry, followed the next year by Bill’s passing. Despite her losses, Marge, ever the steadfast woman, forged a partnership with her devoted daughter-in-law Maria to navigate and maintain a loving home for all of them. They continued to share daily life events together with love and support. Due to her declining health in 2023, Marge decided to move to Addison, an assisted living community. While there she received excellent care and developed friendships. Marge was a soft-spoken graceful woman. The personification of gentility. She loved God and family. She was a true and loyal friend to many. She is remembered for all the good qualities she possessed. She is survived by her grandson Ryan T. Smith and her daughter-in-law Maria Smith. Marge was called to her eternal heavenly home on March 1, 2025. She will be buried in Nazareth, Pa with her husband and daughter. ................................Family requests no flowers or donations to be given

Margarete A. Smith

December 16, 1931 - March 1, 2025