Marlene Mari Smith

Marlene was born on April 11, 1936, in New York, NY, the daughter of Reginald and Rose (Colantino) Mari. She married Charles Wesley Smith on January 21, 1960, in Springfield, IL and he preceded her in death on March 8, 2018.

Marlene was raised in Springfield, IL and moved to St. Louis at age 19 to pursue her nursing career. She kept strong ties to Springfield, which was her parent's home until their passing. Most of Marlene's life has been in St. Louis. Marlene was a devoted mother of four children, who always encouraged and developed the best of her children's abilities. As one of the eldest of her generation in a large Italian immigrant family, she nourished family ties connecting her parent's generation to the next generation. She was active in her children's lives serving in parent/school leadership roles and being a den mother for several years to her boys’ Cub Scout troops. She loved being a grandmother and being with her eight grandchildren was the greatest joy of her life.

She was a high achiever in the nursing profession who gave great care to her patients, then advanced through higher education to teach new nurses. She earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University and her master’s degree from Washington University-St. Louis. A constant learner and explorer, she was always interested in and active in the community, an avid reader, and traveler around the world. She loved making her home and garden and used it to invite family and friends. Marlene was an excellent artist of painting still life and portraits on canvas.

Marlene was a devoted Catholic her entire life and with her late husband, Charles, was active in the Catholic church volunteering in several roles for mass services. She attended all obligations at church, including weekly mass. She believed in the power of prayer and spent many years as a volunteer at Incarnate Word Church in St. Louis. Marlene had long-time involvement in meals for the needy and marriage encounter program. Together with Charles, they supported many charitable organizations in the St. Louis area with funds and home and meal-making. Recently, one of Marlene’s nurses said that her two favorite topics to talk about were her family and caring for others. This is a true testament to who Marlene was. She will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her.

She was also preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her children, Ken (Laurence) Smith, Charles (Zara) Smith, Ryan Smith, and Michelle (Kristian) Vesth; eight grandchildren; and one brother, Reginald Mari.

Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends 11:00 am until 11:45 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022, at Christ the King Church, 1920 Barberry Dr., Springfield. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 pm with Rev. Clinton Honkomp, OP, celebrant. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater IL Chapter, 2309 West White Oaks Dr., Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704 or by visiting here.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.