Margaret P. Smith

Smith--Margaret P., 109, of Geistown, Went to her Blessed Lord on July 10, 2018 at Windber Hospice. A life-long resident of Johnstown, she was born Feb.16, 1909, the seventh of nine children of the late George and Anna (Moehler) Geiser and was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Margaret was married on February 18, 1930, to William R. Smith of Johnstown. They were married until his death on January 13, 1983. Also preceded in death by infant son, William; granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann; and great grandson, Trevor Chase; siblings, George, Leo, Clement, Carl, Leroy, Annamarie, Wilhelmina and Magdalene.  She is survived by two sons, James R. Smith and his wife Mary Ann, Erie, PA; and Thomas G. Smith and his wife, Nancy of Johnstown; eight grandchildren, Stephen, Paul (Rose Ann), Michael (Nancy), Gerald, William (Kim), Kyle (Gina), Brenda (Joe) and Thomas (Sherry); seventeen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A devout Catholic, Margaret was the oldest member of St. Benedict parish, Johnstown (Geistown). An avid reader of non-fiction and fiction novels, books and literature of all venues, she was a strong advocate of education all of her life. She was always trying to improve her knowledge and learn new things and she encouraged her family to do the same. One of the highlights of her life was to receive her high school diploma at age 107 from Bishop McCort High School. Also, an excellent seamstress, she was employed by the overall manufacturing plant in Johnstown at the age of 14. There she honed her sewing skills for seven years until her marriage at age twenty-one. Margaret enjoyed sewing and knitting for her twin granddaughters.  She was a great cook whose appetizing homemade dishes were especially enjoyed by family members. Margaret always had a great love of music from pop to classical. In younger years, she played the piano, had an excellent singing voice and loved dancing. Her warm, engaging and loving personality endeared her to family and friends alike. Her selfless generosity, goodness and great moral ethics earned her the respect of all who knew her. Margaret was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and good friend. She will be greatly missed and long remembered. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, (Richland) Johnstown, where Vigil service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Benedict Church, Geistown, Fr. David S. Peles, Pastor. Committal, Richland Cemetery. The family suggest memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of Margaret. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.