Marcia Jean Smith, 73, passed away suddenly at her home in Seaford on Friday, March 18, 2016.
Born in Crete, Ill., she moved to Shaker Heights, Ohio, while attending middle school. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bill. Before he left for his first semester of college, she gave him her high school senior picture with words on the back that included, ‘You need to come back because you have a wife and eight kids waiting.’ Her wish came true.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Bill; her eight adoring children, Bill Jr. (Nitchie), Jeanne (Bill), Steven (Buffie), Julie (Don), Joanna (Jon), Jonathan (Astrid), Sarah (Mike) and Kiara (Stephen); and 19, going on 20, grandchildren.
Marcia was a wonderful wife, mother, and doting grandmother who lived her life passionately and with deep faith in the Lord. She was active in the church, conducting marriage preparation for engaged couples, teaching high school Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) and leading the Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
Marcia made friends all over the world through her travels with Bill and hosting foreign visitors. She welcomed all people into her life and was known for her tremendous hospitality. She was a Catholic Charities’ volunteer, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to refugees. Marcia had been a volunteer docent at the Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown, where she was known as the ‘crab lady.’ She loved the museum dearly and was later employed to run the education program.
Marcia was preceded in death by her parents, Carleton and Esther Simmerer; her brother, Phillip; and two sisters, Peggy Oakley and Carolyn Cunningham.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, with a Catholic wake service at 5:30 p.m. at Amory Funeral Home, 410 Grafton Drive, Yorktown. A Mass of the resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 315 Harris Grove Lane, Yorktown, VA. A reception will follow at the church.
Suggested memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity.
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