Marion L. Smith

Marion Lucille Smith, age 84, of Clarkston Michigan passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at McLaren Oakland Hospital with family members by her side during her final moments.

Born June 9, 1941 in Randolph, Vermont. Marion was the daughter of the late Howard H. and Mollie (Booth) Smith. She was a 1959 graduate of Whitcomb High School in her home town of Bethel, Vermont. Marion’s early days of employment were spent in the secretarial field in and around Montpelier, Vermont.

Moving to Michigan in the early 1960’s to reunite with her immediate family, Marion had held various positions in her professional career, among them spending time in the real estate and mortgage business. Time was also spent as an administrator and instructor at a school of cosmetology, and she retired from a business dedicated to providing temporary employees and staff members serving the industrial and manufacturing industries.

An avid car enthusiast, you were likely to find Marion ‘Cruising Woodward Avenue’ in her ’59 or ’64 Chevrolet SS during the heyday of Michigan muscle cars. ‘One of the original dream cruiser’s’. On weekends you would have found her behind the wheel, taking part in ‘Powder Puff’ drag races at the former Milan and Detroit drag strips. A precursor to female drivers being accepted into a male dominated sport. Camaro’s and a ‘84 Monte Carlo SS also filled her garage at different times.

Always the animal lover, pets were always a part of Marion’s life. Dogs, cats, horses, even Pepper, her pet raccoon, who she raised under the guidance of a licensed rehabilitatorfor many years. Many hours were spent caring for animals as a volunteer associated with humane societies and cat rescue missions in and around Oakland County Michigan.

Family and friendships were very important to Marion. Conversation came very easily. Line dancing at local establishment were one of her favorite activities, as well as card games and stories around the campfire at the ‘Campground’ in Ortonville MI.

Marion is survived by her sisters Shirley (Herb) Hipsher of Beverly Hills, MI. Anita Phillips of Royal Oak, MI. Nancy (Larry) Thomson of Memphis, MI. and a brother, Arthur (Heidi) Smith of Romeo, MI.

Nieces and nephews are Mary (Ryan) Phillips-Takacs of Madison Heights, MI. Jennifer Combetta of Madison Heights, MI. Amanda Phillips of Royal Oak, MI. Paul (Whitney) Thomson of Memphis, TN. Dr. Joshua (Stacie) Thomson of Richmond, MI. Jason (Krystal) Smith of Romeo, MI. and Stephanie Smith of Romeo, MI.

Great-nieces and great- nephews are Jordan, Caty and Molly Takacs, Shelby Phillips, Maximus Combetta, Maizie and Eden Phillips and Lena and Henry Thomson.

Step-daughter Shelly (Michael) Vermeesh of Imlay City MI. and step-son Jason Oles of Ortonville, MI. Step-granddaughters Brittany (Peterson) Cullimore and Morgan Vermeesh, step-grandson Mathew Vermeesh and step-great-grand daughter Sylvia Cullimore, all of Imlay City, MI.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home in Romeo, Mi. A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at the Clarkston Eagles on Maybee Rd. in Clarkston, MI beginning at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will be beside her parents during a private ceremony at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, MI.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the:

Leader Dogs for the Blind’ in Rochester, MI.,

PO Box 5000

Rochester, MI. 48308

Cleveland Clinic

Achalasia/Thoracic Research 

PO Box 931517 

Cleveland, OH. 44193-1655

Kelly Hook Cat Rescue

 C/O Arthur Smith

79111 Fisher Road

 Bruce Twp. MI. 48065