Marjory O'Connor Smith, 88, died March 2 at home in Andover, Kan., surrounded by her devoted family.
Marjory O'Connor was born Sept. 28, 1918 on a farm in Macksville, Kan. She grew up riding horses with her sister Pat and brothers Ed and Bob. In the midst of the Great Depression, Marge went to college and became a schoolteacher. She met her husband Jack Smith, a military pilot, while teaching in a one-room school in rural Kansas. After marriage, Marge continued teaching at military bases in Texas and Colorado, as well as in Tripoli, Libya, North Africa.
The couple returned to Kansas after Jack's military service ended. Marge continued substitute teaching while raising four children. After stints with Boeing in Puerto Rico and Maine, the family moved to the Seattle area in 1967 following a job transfer. In 1970 the couple purchased a small grocery store near Lincoln Park in her beloved West Seattle. She was an active member of the Fauntleroy Church UCC and helped to usher in that congregation's "open and affirming" policy. For many years she was a member of Group Health Cooperative's Senior Caucus and served as an advocate for older-adult issues. Marge was a lifelong Democrat who was passionate about social and equal-justice issues.
A dedicated, loving mother, Marge also was an active, involved grandmother. She was a wonderful mother and wife, and a loyal friend to many people who appreciated her sense of humor, warmth and care. Marge kept the bridge tables hopping at the Senior Center of West Seattle and elsewhere, and could cook a mean Thanksgiving dinner.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jack; daughter Suzanne Atkins and son Bob Smith; daughter-in-law Margaret Smith; sons-in-law Barney Atkins Jr. and Jim Parsons; grandchildren Nicole, Luke, Christine, Alane, Wade Kasey, B.J., Blake and Mia; and great-grandchildren Hailee, Taylor, Jackson, Justin, Connor and Will. Daughters Charlene Parsons and Becky Smith preceded her in death.
No services were held at her request. The family requests memorials be sent to the Western Washington Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, the American Cancer Society or the Fauntleroy Church UCC.
