Marie D. Smith
August 5, 1937 ~ December 4, 2024
Born in:
Manteca, Calfifornia
Resided in:
Stockton, California
Marie DeNeves Smith, the beloved matriarch of our family, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital in Stockton, California. She was born and raised in Escalon, California, on August 5, 1937, to loving parents Joseph Nunes and Louise Candida Pereira. Marie was a guiding light and a cherished presence for 87 wonderful years.
Her unwavering love for her family and vibrant spirit defined Marie’s life. She was a source of wisdom, strength, and comfort, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. Her legacy of love, resilience, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Marie was a loving wife to her late husband, Louis E. Smith, with whom she built a loving family and enduring legacy. Her three beloved sons and daughters-in-law survive her: Dan and Linda Smith of Lodi, Kevin and Kelly Smith of Pleasanton, and Rodney and Angela Smith of Stockton. Devoted grandmother to Arielle Reid, Sean Van Steyn, Jacqueline Hirt, Ian, Sam, Harrisen, Joshua, Alexandria, Griffin, and Faith Belavilas. Great grandmother of Vin, Caelum, and Phoenix Reid, Jayden Van Steyn, James and Audrey Sweet, Danny and Chandler Smith, Charlie Smith, Haley Smith, Arriella and Noel Smith, and Haven Belavilas. Beloved sister and sister-in-law of Gary and Rosemary Gomes and the late Edwin and Theresa Pereira.
Marie was a dedicated member of Inner Wheel and received the Inner Wheel Spirit of Excellence Award from USA Inner Wheel President. She was also a member of Niles-Fremont Rotary, PFSA, Luso American, YLI, and the Fremont Symphony Board. Marie was a dedicated volunteer for 20 plus years for Washington Hospital and loved taking photos of the newborn babies. Her faith played a central role in her life, and she was deeply affiliated with St. Joseph Church in Mission San Jose-Fremont and Presentation Church BVM in Stockton.
Throughout her life, Marie enriched her community through her unwavering commitment to service and her heartfelt connections with others. All will miss her warm presence, generous spirit, and dedication to family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Marie’s life at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 3 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 43148 Mission Blvd, Fremont. She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery, Fremont. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to St. Vincent De Paul at your local Catholic church, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817, Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, 43326 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539, Sisters of the Holy Family, 159 Washington Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539 or the charity of the donors choice that helps the less fortunate or those in need.
Marie’s warmth, wit, and compassionate nature touched everyone she met. Her dedication to her family and her community was evident in her countless acts of kindness and the deep connections she cultivated throughout her life. Marie will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her love lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, and her spirit will remain with us forever!
Broadcast Date:
Services
Funeral Mass: December 6, 2024 3:00 pm
Room: Church
St. Joseph Catholic Church
43148 Mission Blvd
Fremont, CA 94539
510-656-2364
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Dear Smith Family
So sorry for the lose of your Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, cousin , Friend
We will miss her. Our prayers are with the entire family
Thank you Rick & Cindy.
Marie was such a joy to spend time with. Always smiling and so vibrant. Please accept our deepest and most sincere condolences as you grieve. Healing prayers and warm embraces are sent to you all. We will miss her.
Thank you Loran & Tere.
Thank you Jeannie.
Dear Smith Family,
There are no words that I can express to fill the void of Marie’s loss. She was such a wonderful person and had such a beautiful soul. She was beautiful both inside and out. I always enjoyed our conversations and she was such a delight and so insightful with the family history. She will be missed by the entire Pereira/Vargas family as she was a pillar who brought us all together. My condolences to the entire Smith family. Hugs to you all cousins!
What a wonderful mom you had. Her bright smile and love for people she met, radiated every time. My heart is sad, but I know that her faith in God has delivered her to heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you as a wonderful family. You have such wonderful memories to cherish in the years to come. May God bless you and comfort your hearts at this time. Pastor Ron and Robin Macciola.
Thank you Pastor Ron. I do missing seeing you these days.
Thank you Neleen. It was nice seeing your Father at the services. I wish I would have had a chance to visit with the two of you.
Thank you Neleen. It was nice seeing your Father at the services. I wish I would have had a chance to visit with the two of you.
Dear Dan, Rodney, Kevin and family,
Sending all of you our deepest condolences. Marie was a wonderful lady. Such a friend to my Aunt Irma and our entire family. Always with a smile, a kind word and eager to help all of us. We have beautiful memories of both your parents.
Lots of love and hugs to all of you!!
Thank you Lorene. The Vargas/Azevedo Family and the Smiths have enjoyed a special relationship for 49 years with each an integral part of the other’s family. Love and a Merry Christmas to the Thornberry Family.
My beautiful cousin, we will never forget you. Your memories will remain with us forever. Hugs to the entire family!
Thank you Paulina.
Our sincere condolences to the entire Smith family. I have precious memories of being in tap class with Marie for several years. What a graceful and classic lady! Blessings to all of you.
Gwen Hanson for the whole Hanson family – Dean, Gwen, Steve, Jon and Julianne.
Thank you Gwen.
Thank you Arlindo.
In sympathy,
The Romero Family
Thank you Marta. I too have fond memories of those Easters together.
Our most sincere condolences over this loss. Marie was an exceptional person, beautiful both inside and out, who I know fulfilled many roles within your family, and who also was such a genuine friend to so many others who were blessed to know her. I especially remember my father, Dino Granzella, being so impressed by, and speaking so fondly about Marie, because almost no-one impressed Dad – but Marie did. She was warm, sincere, graceful and kind, and she leaves us all with beautiful memories. Gods blessings to all of you in this difficult time.
Jeff Silva for the Silva and Granzella Families.
Thank you Jeff and Gloria. It wasn’t a family celebration or function without the two of you.
Thank you KK & Grace.
Dear Dan, Kevin and Rodney,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. My heart goes out to you and your families during this difficult time. Your Mom my cousin was a wonderful person and will be missed dearly. I have fond memories of her and will always cherish them.
Sending love and prayers
Thank you Filomena & Carlos. I enjoyed seeing the pictures you shared at the last Cousin’s get together.
Thank you Rose.
Thank you, Rose.
Thank you Bernadette & Keith.
Thank you, Bernadette and Keith.
We are sorry for this loss. She was so important to your family, and always a lively person. She was fun to be around every time we were able to see her.
Thanks Fred.
My deepest sympathy go for Mari’s family !!!🌹May eternal life shine upon her soul .. she was a kind love caring person to all especially her family!! ❤️🌹love you my sweet COUSIN you Wii be missed especially your unforgettable smile !!! it Wii be in our hearts forever!!! ❤️🌹🌹🌹🙏🙏
Thank you Matilde. Mom was very proud of her cousins.
My sympathy to the large family for which Marie was deeply proud.
Miekle Gledhill
Thank you Miekle.
Thank you, Miekle.
So sorry to hear this. Marie was a great friend. We will miss her. May all the great memories sustain your family during this time. Love and thoughts to all of you.
Thank you Walt & Sherry for your kind words, all those years of friendship and always going along with Dad’s crazy ideas.
Thank you, Walt & Sherry.
And the Coelho/Margherita family has been longtime friends to the Smiths. Thank you Nancy for your kind words. Merry Christmas.
We are so sorry. Marie was a truly wonderful person who brought happiness to so many people. We will miss her smile and kind words. May all your family take solace in the fact that she is now with Louie, who we’re sure, will be baking Christmas cookies in Heaven! Love to you all.
Thank you Rich & Gayela.
I am so sorry for your loss. When Fin introduced me to your Mom, He said I want you to meet Mrs. Bones. 🤣 Then corrected himself What a sweet lady. Later we met at Spring Training and at A’s games. She was a remarkable lady
Thank you Barbara. I hope you’re doing well.
Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Marie! She will be dearly missed. I remember back when we lived in Fremont 6 years ago and I’d go out for coffee at Pandora bakery and see Marie come with friends. We would always chat and she would ask about our family. Miss seeing her contagious smile!
Memories will continue and keep her in our minds.
RIP
Bryon and Janet
Thank you Bryon & Janet.
Thank you San Jose Beldens. Will we see you soon?
OH! OH! how my heart hurts. I met your mom when she was Mrs. Smith at Wells Fargo Bank. I was young and pretty irresponsible. ie bounced a lot of checks. Mrs. Smith reached out to me and asked if we could talk? Of course I said yes she was always smiling and greeting folks that came in the bank. She asked if I used my check register, the blank look on my face answered that question. She very sweetly pulled out a check register and a check book cover and took me through the process with kindness, encouragement and NO judgement. Every time I entered the bank she would smile and nod if busy or ask me how I was doing with my register :-). One day I was checking into Rotary and she was standing by my dear friend Dan. He began to introduce her and I said I already know Mrs. Smith, that is when I learned she was Dan and Kevin’s mom. OF course this amazing kind woman would raise two special sons. Our relationship grew after that and I always enjoyed seeing her out socially with her group of friend, laughing and enjoying their special time together or following Dan on FB and seeing the pics of her travels. Oh dear Smith Family her smile and warmth will be missed by all. I do know she is with our Lord and her beloved Lou once again I hope that helps you all smile a little during this difficult time. Big Hug and MUCH Love!
And a special relationship it’s been. Thank you Rose and Randy for all of your love and friendship over the years. Linda and I had a good laugh when we were going through pictures and came across some special pictures of Linda and Randy at the Niles Essanay Theater. We need to talk soon.
Thank you Stephanie.
To the Smith Family,
Your mom was such a delight. I have many fond memories of our parents getting up to all sorts of shenanigans together at St. Joseph’s events. As hard as it is to say goodbye to our loved ones, may you find comfort that your folks are back together again. I’m sure it was quite the reunion. I’m also sure that my folks were there to help welcome her home. I will keep your whole family in my thoughts and prayers at this tough time.
Love,
Julie Hale and the rest of the Shannon family (Ed and Gerry Shannon)
Thank you Julie and Mike. Now that Ed, Gerry, Lou and Marie are back together I’m quite sure Heaven is a little louder and fun loving. From the pranks of our Fathers playing on each other, you’d have thought they were a couple of high School pranksters. I hope the whole Shannon Family has a very Merry Christmas.
She was an amazing woman, a woman of character, strength and faith. I had the honor of knowing her for so many years and the privilege to work for her. She always made me feel welcomed and cared for! I will always cherish the wonderful memories I have with her. She is reunited with the love of her life, Lou🥰 Sending hugs, and Keeping you all in my prayers. -Rebecca Cummins
Thank you Becky.
Thank you Sheela.
Dear Dan, Kevin, Rodney and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I knew her since high school where we were both drummers in the high school band. Marie was always so special and nice. Love and Blessings to you all.
Thank you Barbara. She was always quite proud of being a drummer in the marching band at good old Escalon High School.
You gave such joy, light and love to everyone you came in contact with. It warms my heart that you can join your sweet Lou . God truly has one of His angels home today. Rest easy my old friend.
Thank you TerryAnne.
Thank you Monica. This has been a tough year. I hope you’re doing okay.
Dear Smith Family,
It is with sadness and promise of prayer for each of you as well as for Marie and of course also for Louis, dear friends over many years. I remember as a young Dominican sister of Mission, San Jose meeting Marie and Louis at almost every funeral at our motherhouse our departed sisters. We became friends over the years and it was always a joy to greet them to experience their generous, gracious hospitality. After Louis died, I always delighted in greeting Marie downtown at Fremont events, at church, or at restaurants. We crossed our paths, many many times.
She will be very much missed by each of us as well as by me personally.
I treasure the gift of her presence on this earth and I know we will enjoy the reunion in heaven, even as she will remain present in my memory and prayers today.
With gratitude and deep sympathy,
Sister Diane Bridenbecker, OP
Thank you S. Diane for your words. You have that same warm joyful smile that Mom was known for sharing with everyone she encountered. It’s one of the things I enjoy seeing when we cross paths. Have a Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Sister Diane.
A lovely and gracious woman. May she be rejoicing together now with Louie.
Thank you S. Elizabeth.
Thank you Pat.
To Dan, Kevin, Rodney, and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. I would run into her over the years, and we had such nice conversations. She was always so kind with a warm smile.
Thank you Robin.
Thank you Linda.