Marion Isabelle Smith

Marion Isabelle Smith, of Flemington, New Jersey, passed away on November 7, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born on January 30, 1935, in Orange, New Jersey, and was formerly of Livingston, New Jersey, and East Orange, New Jersey.

Marion lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, work, and compassion for others. Over the years, she worked at ShopRite, Foster Wheeler, and Novartis, bringing her steady presence and dedication to each place she served. She also nurtured a deep Christian faith. An avid gardener, Marion found joy in growing flowers, tending a koi garden, cooking and befriending cats. Above all she loved her family and friends.

She was a woman of curiosity and creativity, she studied English at Bloomfield College and later attended Raritan Valley Community College to study acting. That love of the arts led her to a role in The Laramie Project, an experience that reflected both her courage and her willingness to engage deeply with the world around her. Marion also gave generously of herself through charitable efforts supporting those facing hunger and homelessness, quietly extending care to neighbors in need.

Her faith was an enduring part of her life. Marion was a longtime member of Flemington Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, served as a deaconess and shared in the fellowship and worship of that community over many years. Music, service, and spiritual commitment all found a place in her life. On the occasion when her hobbies intertwined, she was truly in her element.  She would shine with a special light in her eyes when she had the opportunity to decorate the church with flowers at the holidays, cook with her fellow deacons and perform in the church passion play. 

She is survived by her daughters, Ellen Dekker and Ann Gunning, who carry forward her love and example. She will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Dennis Ori Dekker, Brian Gunning and Kelly Gunning; her sons-in-laws Chris Gunning and Dennis Dekker, as well as her nieces Grace Slater-Dixon, Cheryl Enyart, and Laura Dixon, and her nephew Andrew Dixon. She held her family close, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to all who knew her and loved her.

Marion was preceded in death by her father, Gordon Smith; her mother, Isabelle Wilson; her niece, Suzie Rickershauser; and her nephew, William Dixon.

Visitation will be held on November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Flemington Presbyterian Church, 10 East Main Street, Flemington, New Jersey 08822. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. 

Marion Isabelle Smith will be remembered for her warmth, her faith, her generosity of spirit, and enthusiasm with which she moved through the world. Her life touched many, and her memory will be cherished always.