Margaret R. Smith

Born: 11/11/1919
Died: 7/26/2012

Margaret R. Smith, age 92, of Newark, DE, died on Thursday, July 26, 2012.

Born in Palermo, Sicily on November 11, 1919, Margaret was the daughter of the late Giuseppe Rogato and Rosa Amato Rogato. She immigrated to the United States as an infant. Margaret grew up in the Bronx, NY, and met her future husband Clarence Smith (Smitty) there while they both worked for the 1939 World’s Fair. They were married, and Margaret soon became a war bride. After the war, they finally settled in Newark, Delaware where Margaret resided for almost 60 years. She was employed as a social worker for the Delaware Department of Social Services, and was most proud that her income provided a college education for both her children at the University of Delaware.

Margaret was a member of the Newark Senior Center and was instrumental in organizing the Stamp Club there. She was a member of the Delaware Association for Family and Community Education, affiliated with the Cooperative Extension Service, for almost 50 years. Margaret loved chocolate, flowers, and writing poetry.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence L. Smith, in 1988, and her siblings, Joyce, Louise, and Joe. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Carol Maker of Portland, OR; son, Craig Martin Smith of Elkton, MD; grandchildren, Kelly Marlo Guerke of Portland, OR, Kevin Andrew Guerke (Heather), and their children, Gabriella and Emerson, all of Wilmington, DE; Casey Ryan Guerke (Erin), and their daughters, Ava and Isabelle, all of Dover, and Jessica Lynn Smith of Elkton, MD.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Newark Senior Center, 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark, DE 19713.