Marlene Smith, 93, died peacefully Tuesday morning, December 23, 2025, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Seymour. Marlene was born on February 8, 1932, to Edward and Goldie (White) Vandenplas. On September 27, 1952, she married Julian Smith at Assumption BVM Church in Pulaski. Marlene graduated in 1951 from Pulaski High School.

Family and friends were important to Marlene; she enjoyed baking and sharing her baked goods with many. In her earlier years she enjoyed gardening and canning. She took great pleasure in all the bus trips she took with her friends and enjoyed listening to polka music. Marlene was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and loved getting together with her family to cheer them on.

Marlene worked for many years at her sister's clothing store, Arlene's Fashion Corner in Pulaski.

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Marv) Niec and Darlene (Jim) Hillier, both of Pulaski; grandson, Chad (Jennifer) Marnocha, Cecil; great-granddaughter, Madison Marnocha; step-grandchildren, Beau, Anthony (Veronica), and Emily Hillier; sister, Arlene Stucker; sister- in- law, Wilfreda Smith; niece, Lori Stucker; special cousin/best friend,  Pat Boehm; and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Julian, and parents, Edward and Goldie, she was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Anton (Bernice) Smith, Daniel (Clara) Smith, Ben (Ceil) Smith, Florian Smith, and Eugene Smith; and sisters-in-law, Irene (Clarence) Polczinski and Alice Smith.

A private family Funeral Mass will be held at Assumption B.V.M. Church, Pulaski. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, especially Cori and Marilyn, and the Unity Hospice Team for the compassionate care they provided Marlene.

Online condolences may be offered at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.