Marjorie Schendel Smith passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025. Marjorie was born October 27, 1926, in Turlock, CA to David and Ruth Schendel. A resident of Delhi and Turlock, Marjorie attended school in Delhi until age 10. The family then moved to Turlock where she attended school, graduating from Turlock High School in 1945. Marjorie married John Smith on October 6, 1945, and moved to Whidbey Island, WA where John was stationed in the US Navy. They moved back to Turlock in 1947, to raise their family. She worked for the Turlock School District as the Administrative Secretary at Crowell School for 25 years.
Marjorie was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Turlock for over 75 years. She was a Past Matron and 50 year member of Eastern Star, Wisteria Chapter OES. She was active with the many activities of the THS Class of 1944. She was involved in their Potluck and Housewives groups where she made many good friends.
Marjorie enjoyed traveling, her friends, knitting and spending time with her family. She found great joy in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and was very supportive of their many activities.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Smith, her children Sharon (Smith) Mills and Jack Smith, her parents David and Ruth Schendel and her brother and his wife Austin and Veronica Schendel.
She is survived by her daughter, Vicki (Chuck) Corgiat of Turlock, son-in-law Leon Mills of Reno, NV, daughter-in-law Gay Lynn Smith of Yerington, NV. Her grandchildren: Jennifer (Mark Raymond) Corgiat of Sonora, CA, Julie (Bruce) Freeby of Turlock, CA, David (Anna Maria) Smith of Fairborn, OH. Her great-grandchildren: Ashley Bugbee of Turlock, CA, Zachary Corgiat-Raymond of San Francisco, CA, Alexander and Hillary Corgiat-Raymond of Sonora, CA. Simon, Violet, Oliver and Ezra Freeby of Turlock, CA, Raylynd and Jaxon Smith of Fairborn, OH and her great-great-grandson, Dax Bugbee of Turlock, CA. She is also survived by her dear friend of 84 years, Katherine Dickey. She was the favorite person of everyone in her family!
Remembrances may be given in honor of Marjorie to the Shriners Children Hospital, Alzheimer research (in memory of Sharon Mills), and the Turlock Historical Society.
A visitation will be held at Allen Mortuary in Turlock, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
A celebration of life will be held at The First United Methodist Church at 1660 Arbor Way, Turlock, CA 95380 on July 17, 2025, at 11:00 am with a reception at the church. Condolences can be left for the family at www.allenmortuary.com
1 Condolence for Marjorie Schendel Smith
Condolence(1)
Darlene Ferriera says
July 11, 2025 at 4:16 pmI worked with Marge for many years at Crowell School. She was always very professional and efficient, but more importantly she was kind, caring, lover her job and the children and staff. Always a good listener and a dear friend. My daughter, just today, told me a story that once she and two other third graders got into trouble on the playground and was sent to the principal’s office. Secretary Marge asked why they were there and after listening to their story she told them to return to their classroom and never to do it again. My daughter was so afraid that her mom, me, a teacher there, would find out and she would be in new trouble. Marge never told me and today was the first I heard of it! That was Marge. She will be missed, but we all have beautiful memories of a beautiful lady. Prayers for Vickie and family.