Margaret Rose Smith

Margaret Rose Smith, 88, from Jupiter, Florida, died at home on Friday, April 28th, lovingly cared for and surrounded by her children. A woman of unwavering faith and limitless love, Mrs. Smith, born as the only child to Jennie and August Cepon in 1929, welcomed eight children, twenty-one grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren into her loving embrace. A graduate of the Waukegan, Illinois Holy Child high school, Mrs. Smith matriculated to Rosemont College and finished her college education at Marquette University, where she met and married the love of her life, Charles John Smith, Jr. Matriarch of the Smith family, Margaret was married to her husband, Charlie, for close to sixty years. Together they were the parents of eight children: Margaret Smith Crocco, Charles John Smith III, Anne Elizabeth Smith, Joan Smith Myers, Aileen Smith Dooley, Peter Royer Smith, Mary Catherine Smith Nietzel, and Mary Christine Smith. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren affectionately call her Nana. Her devotion to the Catholic Church, its theology, and its scriptures took her to Fordham University where she continued her studies in theology. With her daughters enrolled at the Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit, New Jersey, Mrs. Smith began a career in teaching as a volunteer in the Theology Department before becoming Department Chair and, later, Oak Knoll's first lay principal. Her trailblazing influence on and encouragement of young women through her teaching, leadership, and mentorship was legendary. Margaret's life will live on in the memories of the many people whom she loved and who loved her. She has taught us that strength and happiness begin with a consistently strong character, a generous soul, devoted relationships, unshakeable faith, and a passion to not simply live life but to pursue it with great purpose and joy. We mourn the loss of our mother, grandmother, friend, and colleague, but are blessed by the legacy she has left. We are comforted with the knowledge that she has joined her adoring husband, Charlie, and her sweet granddaughter, Jenny. God bless them all. A mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 13591 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on Saturday, May 6 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: The Loxahatchee Club Educational Foundation 1350 Echo Drive, Jupiter, Florida 33458.

Margaret Rose Smith

April 28, 1929 - April 28, 2017