April 7, 2023
Smith, Marlea
Marlea Smith, nee Fox, completed her circle of life on March 22, 2023. She was born in May of 1927, to Fred and Ethel Fox of Walden, NY. She had two older siblings Chester and Lyla (Mentz). Marlea attended SUNY at Plattsburg and University of Cincinnati for her Bachelor of Arts, and SUNY New Paltz for her Masters of Education and went on to teach in the local school district until retirement.
Married in June in 1948, to Kenneth Smith, Sr her hometown sweetheart, they spent 70 years together until his death in 2018.
After Ken returned from serving as a submariner in the US Navy during WWII, Marlea and Ken moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Ken studied architecture and she finished her Bachelors. After they both graduated, they returned to Walden, she became a teacher of kindergarten and first grade and he an architect. They raised three sons, Ken, Jr, Kevin, and Jeffrey in the home that Ken, Sr designed. In 1996, they moved to Ashland, MA to be closer to their sons, and to dote on their two grandchildren Emily and Tommy. They eventually moved to Fox Hill Village in Westwood where they enjoyed many years of gracious living on, as the family fondly referred to, “The Good Ship Lollipop”.
Marlea and Ken had a great love of the ocean and over the years enjoyed many good times in Ocean City Maryland with their family. After retirement, they donned their wings as snowbirds and migrated every winter to Treasure Island in Florida. When not at the beach, they found themselves drawn back to the sea aboard various cruises touring destinations from Alaska to Europe to the Caribbean.
One of Marlea’s greatest joys was working as a teacher as evidenced by a story she often told and repeated even after her memory was impaired by dementia. She said that one of the moments that validated her years in education was when a student ran up to her and proudly announced, “Mrs. Smith, I can read!”. It was clearly a moment she cherished.
After Ken, Senior’s death, Marlea remained at Fox Hill Village though active, her memory continued to diminish. Despite her dementia, she remained a happy and gentle person who was a favorite of the all the healthcare personnel and aides who supported her. She spent her final year in nursing care until her body caught up with her mind and she was able to pass on.
She was predeceased by her son Jeffery and husband Ken Sr, and is survived by her sons Ken, Jr and Kevin both of Natick, MA, her daughter-in-law’s Stephanie and Patty, and grandchildren Emily and Tommy.
In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of her love of teaching and reading, donations can be made to the Josephine-Louise Public Library, 5 Scofield Street, Walden, NY 12586. The library will honor her memory by purchasing books that will be dedicated in her name.
A private memorial service will be held this summer.
Comments(1)
What a lovingly written obituary! She was indeed a wonderful woman to meet and I’m sure, a memorable teacher for many of her students. Such a great memory for her to have “Mrs. Smith, I can read!” and such a momentous occasion for any child. My love and condolences to the family.