Margret Elizabeth Smith

Margret Elizabeth Smith (née Taylor)

1946-2025

Margret Elizabeth Taylor was raised in a remote cottage in Glenesk in Angus, Scotland, the eldest of four bairns. She had a pretty face, full of freckles, and liked to wear a jaunty ribbon in her bright red hair. Her childhood was happy and she loved to take care of her younger siblings. The village of Edzell was five miles away, where Margret attended Primary School, followed by High School in the Cathedral City of Brechin, a further six miles.

Margret did well in school and left home at age 17 to attend what is now Aberdeen University, where she graduated with a degree in Primary Education. She landed her first teaching job in Toronto, Canada, travelling there by ship. From there she enjoyed her summers of travel to far flung places like New Zealand and Australia. 

After some years, the call of Scotland became strong enough for Margret to return to her homeland to teach in a deprived coal mining community. Next, she accepted a position as a travelling Special Education teacher in her home county of Angus, moving into a draughty stone-built farm cottage at Inverkeillor. She soon made it cosy and warm with a blazing coal fire in the kitchen where she honed her baking and cooking skills. Her whole extended family and many friends looked forward to tasting her latest dishes.

Around this time she met and fell in love with her American sweetheart, a US Navy sailor stationed nearby. Julian Smith won her heart and they were married in her home by the parish minister on Christmas Day in 1978. Julian left the navy and finished a degree at Dundee University in German and Religious Studies, becoming a teacher at Montrose Academy. Their first son, Frank Wilson Smith, was born in 1980, followed by James Andrew Smith in 1982; two beautiful, rambunctious, wee bairns. Julian was accepted to complete his Masters of Divinity at Asbury Seminary, Kentucky and the family of four emigrated to the USA, quickly settling into college life. Margret was a truly supportive wife and was loved by everyone she met. Her Scottish themed dinners were legendary amongst the international student population.

Marget’s husband was assigned to be pastor at a Methodist Church in Radford, Virginia, where she embraced her new role as a pastor’s wife and became a shining star in the community. Following that, the next move was to northern Minnesota, where Margret followed her pastor husband; right away she began creating a happy home base for her family. As a voracious reader, she was active in the Jane Austen Society, giving well-attended presentations.

Julian’s career took an interesting turn when he took the position of Catholic Chaplain at Pelican Bay State Penitentiary in Crescent City, California. By now both sons had left for college and Margret was able to care full-time for her mother-in-law in home hospice. She also volunteered at a thrift store, charming her customers with her smiles and unusual accent. Over the years Margret had explored the Catholic faith, eventually converting to Catholicism. This prompted some wonderful pilgrimages, first to Israel then to Poland and Italy. Wherever Margret lived she had a positive attitude and was a friend to anyone who needed help.

All too soon it was retirement time for the Smiths and they decided to move to Pittsford, New York so Margret could enjoy time with her only sister, who lived there. The girls had such fun together at yard sales, church events, coffee dates, and just enjoying a relaxed life. Margret wanted to escape the snow and find a pleasant climate to settle in. This time, she led the move to Aiken, South Carolina. The couple became active in St Mary’s Church, in Aiken, and made many wonderful friends there. Margret loved her life in her final years in Kalmia Landing, a retirement community in Aiken. Her home was always open to neighbors and she brought her culinary delights to many of the social events. She was very active in church groups, delving into the Bible and praying with and for others. It was her deep faith that carried her through the tragic illness that finally overtook her. Margret is deeply missed and her beautiful spirit will be forever cherished.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801