Marion Smith

Marion Quinn Smith, 83, passed away on February 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas at her home from natural causes. Marion was born on December 30, 1942 in Ames, Iowa.

She would jokingly say she had an unfortunate birthday because of how late it was in the year. Growing up, Marion would spend her childhood watching after her younger brother, Joe and admiring her older cousin Jeanie, doing everything she did. Upon graduating from Ames High School, Marion enrolled at the University of Denver, majoring in business. She originally wanted to major in English, but her parents were worried she would not make money with such a degree. After graduation, Marion went back to Ames to begin working on her PhD in psychology. It was there she met a fellow PhD student, Richard, her husband of 52 years.

After graduation, the two of them moved to Plattsburgh, New York. Marion was a tenured professor of psychology at Plattsburgh State. During her time as a professor, she had her two sons, Eric and Kevin. After the birth of her second son, Marion resigned from her position as professor in order to be more at home with her children.

She began working as a school psychologist for the school district. Marion still had a love for English, so she went back to school and earned her masters in English at Plattsburgh State and worked as an adjunct professor in English upon retirement. Marion spent her final years in Houston, Texas, wanting to be closer to her grandson Noah. She doted on him to the best of her ability, always having cookies and ice cream at hand on Sunday afternoon visits. She also gave him Iowa State merchandise, such as an Iowa State shirt with a cape and a stuffed bear, hoping to manifest his higher education would take place at the school. Marion loved poetry, especially the works of John Clare. She had a knack for baking, especially quiches. She played the flute and French horn. She also was a docent at Plattsburgh State, volunteering in her free time. She was a big animal lover, especially dogs and she had a great love for Shelties, with her first dog, Bonnie, being one.

Marion was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Lydia Quinn. She is survived by her husband, Richard Smith; brother Joe Quinn and wife Pat Quinn; her son Eric Smith; her son Kevin Smith and wife Nirvana Smith and grandson Noah Smith.