Marie Smith lived a long, full life and died of natural causes on May 31, 2009, surrounded by her loving family. She was 74.
Marie was born May 15, 1935 in Weed, California to Bill and Genevieve Lonergan.
Marie attended grade school in Weed, and was a student of Yreka High School where she met the love of her life, Donald C. Smith.
They were married in Berkeley, California on June 15, 1957. They enjoyed many wonderful years together. Marie was a loving and devoted wife.
Marie worked in the field of nursing and public health and pioneered the movement for home health and hospice care in the Bay Area and northern California. She was respected and admired by her colleagues as administrator for a home health agency, for her leadership and integrity.
Upon her retirement, she and her husband Don were involved with the school board for Castle Rock School, and spent a lot of time with the children in their community.
She also joined the fire commission, water board, and was also active in the Mt. Shasta Lions Club. In 2008, she was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award for Castella, California.
Love and compassion were hallmarks of Marie’s character. She was the first to offer help and encouragement to those in trouble. She was always positive and gracious; her smile and laugh were contagious.
Marie is survived by her husband, Don; sister, Veronica; sons, Steve and Michael; and five grandchildren, Wesley, Kelly, Will, David and Laura.
A private celebration of Marie’s life will be held in September when she is laid to rest in her ancestral home in Castella, California.
The Smith family is requesting that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in memory of Marie T. Smith to the Alzheimer’s Association.