Margaret Smith

Margaret Mary Smith, 96, peacefully went to her heavenly home, Tuesday, June 8, 2022.

Born in Rochedale, England on May 7th, 1926, Margaret lived an incredibly full and rich life.  She  was a 1948 graduate of St. Luke’s Hospital Nursing College in Bradford, England, where she also worked.    Margaret married the love of her life Bernard “Bernie” George Perry Smith in 1949.  They immigrated to the United States in 1953 with their two daughters, Susan and Marilyn, and proudly became U.S. citizens in 1962.  They settled in the Bay Area, of California, where she continued her nursing career that spanned 40 years.  Margaret was a servant to all she encountered, as her career as a nurse was deeply embedded at the core of who she was. Her love of nursing also extended to her family and she was often referred to as “Dr. Smith” as she nursed her husband for many years.  Even down to her last weeks she was caring for those around her even when her memory was not strong.

During their years in the Bay Area, Margaret and Bernie sponsored many family and friends to follow them over from England, raised their two daughters, and worked diligently to create their American dream.  In 1989, Margaret and Bernie moved north to Palo Cedro, CA, to be near Marilyn, where they spent many wonderful years together until Bernie’s passing in 2005.  Throughout their 56 years of marriage they traveled and experienced our beautiful world, bred and trained Labrador Retrievers for field trial competitions, and never passed up an opportunity to host family and friends.

Although she encountered many challenges along the way, her life was one of celebration.  Margaret and Bernie never shied away from an opportunity to host a party and included everyone they met.  They set an example for everyone they encountered on how to live a joyful life.  Friends became family, and they were abundantly generous to all.  Some of their daughters earliest memories are of the many amazing events their parents hosted.   Margaret was always the life of the party with her gracious hosting skills and the warmth she radiated.  She made everyone in attendance know how special they were.  She was often referred to as “Lady Margaret” by friends due to her poise and royal manners.  In 2013, Margaret made the move to Mansfield, TX, to be near Susan and her family.

Margaret was always full of joy and shared this with others through her singing!  She sang while she worked, cleaned, and drove.  Her grandchildren all have precious memories of little songs she taught them to complete even the simplest tasks.  She was faithfully involved in both San Bruno Methodist and Redding Methodist Church choirs.  Margaret also enjoyed swimming, reading, crosswords, her beloved dogs, flowers, and the birds that came to see her daily.  She had talent in many areas but was so very gracious and humble in all.  She dearly loved Bernie, her children and grandchildren, and relished every opportunity to be together.

Margaret is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Bernard Smith, her parents John and Stella Carey, sister Kathleen Carey, and brother Leslie Carey.

Margaret is survived by two daughters, Susan Ferguson (Sam) and Marilyn Graham; three grandchildren and spouses, Erica Webel (Steve), Michael Ferguson (Virginia), and Andrew Ferguson (Shelby); and 8 great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Anna, Nate, Hope, and Luke Webel, and Hadleigh, Hudson and Hunter Ferguson.

The family will be holding a private family service at a later date.

The family requests any donation made in Margaret’s name to be sent to:

Guide Dogs for the Blind https://www.guidedogs.com/support-gdb/donate or

Rush Creek Church Missions  2300 SW Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76017