Maria J. Smith

Maria J. Smith, 88, of Shippensburg, departed this life on the morning of Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital.

She was born on September 14, 1936, in Madrid, Spain, a daughter of the late Francisco Olea Martinez and Rafaela Fraile Carreno. Maria married Raymond L. Smith, Sr., on March 4, 1960, in Madrid. He preceded her in death on December 19, 2020. 

Maria worked at the former G.C. Murphy’s and also owned and operated a fabric shop, Maria’s Thimble for a period of time. However, she was first and foremost a homemaker throughout her life.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Church, Shippensburg, and a former member of the NCO Wives Club. In her free time she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, and as always, spending time with and tending to her family.

She is survived by four children, Raymond L. Smith, Jr., of Shippensburg, Susan S. Dwyer and husband Bill of Cameron, TX, Christine M. Cressler and husband Sam of Shippensburg, and Robert L. Smith and wife Jennifer of Glenolden, PA; nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; her sister Maria Paz Olea and husband Emilo Hernan of Madrid; one niece; two nephews; and two great nieces, all of Madrid.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Church, Shippensburg. Father Benjamin Dunkelberger will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Parklawns Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday morning at the church.