Margaret Marie 'Peggy' Smith

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Margaret Marie “Peggy” Smith, 74, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, March 27, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Dec. 23, 1939, in Wakefield, the daughter of Richard P. and Ida B. (Bordano) Valesano. Peggy graduated from Wakefield High School with the class of 1957, where she participated in the band. Her education continued in Iron Mountain and she obtained a licensed practical nursing degree.

On Sept. 16, 1961, Peggy was united in marriage to Ed Smith at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

She was employed as a nurse at Divine Infant Hospital in Mankato, Minn., and at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility.

Peggy enjoyed music and played the accordion and piano. She faithfully attended all her husband’s and daughter’s sporting events and always was a proper lady. Outdoor activities included camping, picnics and playing with her canine friends.

She was a loving and caring wife, mother, daughter and sister, and will be truly missed by all.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Ed; two daughters, Jayme, Wakefield, and Joy, Ramsay; a sister, Anita (Doug) Zychowski, Poplar, Wis .; a brother, Richard “Dutch” Valesano, Henderson, Nev .; her brother-in-law, Robert (Susan) Smith, Corpus Christi, Texas; her sister-in-law, Carol (Dan) Niemi, Ironwood; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann and Marlene.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

A Mass in Peggy’s memory will be celebrated Monday, April 7, at 6 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, offered by the Antilla family.

Interment will take place in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, later this spring.

Memorial contributions in Peggy’s name, in memory of her mother, may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at lakesidememorialchapel.com.