Marie DeNeves Smith, the beloved matriarch of our family, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital in Stockton, California. She was born and raised in Escalon, California, on August 5, 1937, to loving parents Joseph Nunes and Louise Candida Pereira. Marie was a guiding light and a cherished presence for 87 wonderful years. Her unwavering love for her family and vibrant spirit defined Marie’s life. She was a source of wisdom, strength, and comfort, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. Her legacy of love, resilience, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Marie was a loving wife to her late husband, Louis E. Smith, with whom she built a loving family and enduring legacy. Her three beloved sons and daughters in-law survive her: Dan and Linda Smith of Lodi, Kevin and Kelly Smith of Pleasanton, and Rodney and Angela Smith of Stockton. Devoted grandmother to Arielle Reid, Sean VanSteyn, Jacqueline Hirt, Ian, Sam, Harrisen, Joshua, Alexandria, Griffin, and Faith Belavilas. Great grandmother of Vin, Caelum, and Phoenix Reid, Jayden Van Steyn, James and Audrey Sweet, Danny and Chandler Smith, Charlie Smith, Haley Smith, Arriella and Noel Smith, and Haven Belavilas. Beloved sister and sister-in law of Gary and Rosemary Gomes and the late Edwin and Theresa Pereira.
Marie was a dedicated member of Inner Wheel and received the Inner Wheel Spirit of Excellence Award from USA Inner Wheel President. She was also a member of Niles-Fremont Rotary, PFSA, Luso American, YLI, and the Fremont Symphony Board. Marie was a dedicated volunteer for 20 plus years for Washington Hospital and loved taking photos of the newborn babies. Her faith played a central role in her life, and she was deeply affiliated with St. Joseph Church in Mission San Jose-Fremont and Presentation Church BVM in Stockton. Throughout her life, Marie enriched her community through her unwavering commitment to service and her heartfelt connections with others. All will miss her warm presence, generous spirit, and dedication to family and friends.
Family and friends celebrated Marie’s life at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 43148 Mission Blvd., Fremont. She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery, Fremont. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to St. Vincent De Paul at your local Catholic church, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817, Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539, Sisters of the Holy Family, 159 Washington Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539 or the charity of the donor’s choice that helps the less fortunate or those in need. Marie’s warmth, wit, and compassionate nature touched everyone she met. Her dedication to her family and her community was evident in her countless acts of kindness and the deep connections she cultivated throughout her life. Marie will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her love lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, and her spirit will remain with us forever!
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Dec. 25, 2024
