Marian Smith

Marian Maxine (Frey) Smith of San Diego, CA formerly of St. Johns, MI was born in Manchester, MI, on June 20, 1915.  Marian Maxine Frey was the oldest child of George and Amanda Frey.  She passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 11, 2018, just weeks after celebrating her 103rd birthday.  She was raised on the family farm with one younger sister Rita (predeceased in 1996).  Marian was the salutatorian of Manchester High School and loved math.  After graduation she moved to Jackson, MI, and completed business school.  There, she met her husband William M Smith and they were married in January 1936.   They were married for 71 wonderful years.  Now in death, as in life, they will be joined together forever.

Marian is survived by two children, Shirley (Dave) Fenner and Doug, in the San Diego area, 13 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.  She and Bill raised their children in St. Johns, MI.  She was the ultimate farmer’s wife and partner, at one point raising over 1,000 chickens to sell the eggs for hatching.  She served as a 4-H Leader and taught numerous girls how to sew.  Eventually she became office manager for Production Credit Association in St. Johns, retiring in 1973.

After retirement, she and Bill lived seasonally in Michigan and California to be close to their children and grandchildren, before ultimately settling full-time in Chula Vista in 1994.  She and Bill loved to fish and spend time on Michigan lakes, but in the early 1960s, that passion turned to golf. She was proud of her hole-in-one later at a California golf course.  Marian also enjoyed card games (especially bridge) and bowling.  She made true friends over the years in various leagues, enjoyed competition particularly in her bowling and bridge tournaments.  Marian and Bill traveled across the county several times between Michigan and California, stopping to visit friends along the way, even in Canada.

Like many of her era, she was shaped by the Great Depression and she in turned shaped her family. She was thrifty (and offered financial tips to multiple generations), yet generous to her church and favorite charities.  She crocheted and donated nearly 100 baby blankets to various causes.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 18 in San Diego, and a local viewing/visitation in St Johns will be on August 24, 2018 from 10 AM to noon at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St Johns, MI.  The internment will follow with burial next to her husband Bill, in Mt. Rest Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather after for a reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St Vincent De Paul, or to Father Joe’s Villages, 3550 E St, San Diego, CA 92102, or to charity of your choice in her name.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com