Obituary of Marylin G. Smith

Marylin G. Smith, 75, of Iowa City, died at the University of Iowa Hospital on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, following a determined fight with cancer complicated by a broken hip. Marylin was born July 10, 1932, in Des Moines to Mary and Frederick Gilchrist of Laurens, Iowa. She grew up in Laurens, graduating from Laurens High School in 1950. Marylin attended Rockford College for one year before graduating from the University of Iowa in 1954 with a degree in elementary education. She married Evan E. Smith on August 7, 1955, in Laurens. Marylin enjoyed a long and fulfilling teaching career, initially in Illinois followed by Roosevelt Elementary School and, later, at Montessori School, both in Iowa City. Marylin cherished the many close and dear friends she had, and was an active member of or volunteer for numerous organizations, including the First Presbyterian Church, the Mercy Hospital Guild, University of Iowa Hospital, the Hancher Guild, Chapter KQ of P.E.O., Questors, and Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority (Beta Zeta Chapter at the University of Iowa). Marylin is survived by her husband of 52 years, Evan; her son Elliott Smith (Kay) and a grandson and granddaughter of Des Moines; her daughter Camilla Smith Axelrood (Mike) and a grandson and granddaughter of Evanston, Illinois; her daughter Stephanie Smith Nelson and two grandsons of Grinnell; and, her sister Eleanor Handorf of Marshalltown. Marylin was preceded in death by her parents. At Marylin’s request, immediate family members held a private interment ceremony at Memory Gardens Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum in Iowa City. The family asks that any memorials be directed to a charity of one’s choice. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Marylin’s family and her services. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @www.gayandciha.com.