Longtime educator Sister Marian Smith dies
by Diocese of Des Moines | April 14, 2026
Sister Marian Smith, 97, died April 11 at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston. A memorial service will be held at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center, Our Lady of Peace Chapel, on Thursday, April 16, 3:30 p.m. with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. Funeral services at Humility of Mary Center, 820 W Central Park Ave, Davenport, Iowa are Friday, April 17, 4 p.m. rosary and visitation; 6:30 p.m. memorial service; Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial followed by interment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport.
Marian Smith was born September 7, 1928, in Sterling, Illinois, to William J. and Eva (Hanson) Smith. She was raised in Erie, Illinois, and entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in 1948, professing first vows in 1951.
Sister Marian earned an associate degree from Ottumwa Heights Junior College, Ottumwa, Iowa, a bachelor’s degree in education from Marycrest College, Davenport, Iowa, and a master’s degree in education and administration from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She also pursued continuing education at Marycrest College, Marquette University, and Drake University in Des Moines.
She devoted many years to education. Between 1951 and 1968 she taught at schools in Iowa including St. Mary, Marshalltown; St. Anthony and St. Theresa, Des Moines; St. Mary, Albia; Lourdes Memorial, Bettendorf; and St. Patrick and St. Mary, Ottumwa. She served as principal at St. Anthony School from 1968-1975.
In 1975, Sister Marian returned to Erie, Illinois, where she cared for her mother while continuing her ministry as a teacher in the Fulton Public School system in Fulton, Illinois, until 1993. In retirement, she remained active in volunteer ministry at St. Ambrose Parish, Erie, and served on the executive board of the Whiteside Retired Illinois Teachers Association. A personal joy throughout her life was traveling with her mother during the summers and caring for her at home until her death.
In 2022, she moved to Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. Sister Marian was warm and welcoming, with a wonderful sense of humor. She remained deeply connected to the CHM community, often sharing stories of other sisters. She embraced life fully, participating in daily Mass, meals, exercise, Bible study and current events. She formed meaningful relationships with staff throughout the community and created a wide circle of friendship, her own “village,” where she was well-known and treasured.
A thoughtful and self-aware woman, Sister Marian appreciated the care and attention of others and responded with gratitude. In her final days, she was surrounded by the many people whose lives she had touched. Her deep faith and lifelong dedication to education shaped her life and ministry, and she will be remembered for the fullness with which she lived each day.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by the Sisters and associates of her CHM community. Memorials to Congregation of the Humility of Mary.