Margaret (Merritt) Smith

Margaret M. Smith of Middletown died peacefully in her home on April 11, 2026 surrounded by her family. 

Born in Bridgeport, CT, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Margaret (Hamm) Merritt and grew up in Black Rock with her close-knit family.

In 1955, Marge met and married the love of her life, the late Leonard F. Smith, with whom she moved to Middletown and built a family of three children. She thoroughly enjoyed hosting every holiday and organizing family vacations as her family continued to grow over the sixty-seven years she lived in Middletown.

Marge’s other passion was her long career in nursing. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from New Hampshire College, she worked her way up from staff nurse to become a Connecticut Licensed Registered Nurse and an ANA Certified Gerontological Nurse. Over the course of her forty-three-year career, she spent time as president of the Connecticut Directors of Nursing Association and was a founding member (and later Northeast Regional Director) of the National Association Directors of Nursing Services Administration/Long Term Care (NADONA/LTC). Her career culminated in twenty years as the Director of Nursing Services at Middlesex Convalescent Center.

She prided herself in patient advocacy, contributing to multiple publications including “Personalized Care Model for the Elderly” and “Pre-Developed Patient Care Plans” with the Connecticut Directors of Nursing Administration (CONNDONA). Marge also addressed the Connecticut Legislature several times in support of legislation to finance long term care for patients.

She enjoyed many years of weekly bridge card games, and her many creative talents included sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, porcelain doll making, and cake decorating. As an active member of Faith Lutheran Church and Christ Lutheran Church, Marge served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the altar guild and financial team. Everywhere she went, she brought a calm demeanor and a kind word for all.

She is survived by daughter Kathleen A. Marco and her husband, Robert, of West Warwick, RI; son Michael L. Smith and his wife, Stacy, of West Newbury, MA; daughter-in-law Gabriela M.W. Smith of Glenview, IL; sister Dorothy A. Merritt of Trumbull, CT; grandchildren Amanda Jastrebski and her husband, Matthew; Alexander Smith; Anthony Marco; Joshua Marco; and Rachel Smith; and three great-grandchildren, Anthony Marco, Julian Marco, and Grace Jastrebski.

She was predeceased by her husband, Leonard F. Smith, her son, Gary F. Smith, and her sister, Elizabeth L. Merritt.

Calling hours and all services are private.  You are invited to send a message of condolence to the family at the website of www.doolittlefuneralservice.com .

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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