Marjorie Ann Smith

Marjorie Ann Coblentz Smith

February 2, 1936 - January 10, 2026

Marjorie Ann Smith, 89 of Chases Lane, Middletown, died peacefully Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Village House Nursing facility in Newport, RI.

Born in Dexter, MO, on February 2, 1936, to Wesley and Betty Jane Coblentz, and preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Frederick Smith of 42 years, in 2003. Marge and Art moved to RI in 1962, and settled in Middletown in 1978.

Her family moved to California in 1942 and later settled in Chino where she graduated from Chino High School in 1953, Stanford University with a BA in 1957, and an MA in Education in 1958.

Marge followed the career path of her mother, also a physical education teacher to students aged kindergarten through college. Her 43 year teaching career began in southern California high schools, where she met her husband Arthur. After marrying, they moved to Ludwigsburg, Germany, to teach science and (Arthur) mathematics for the US Department of Defense school system. They returned to Maine for a year before settling in RI where Marge joined the Physical Education faculty at RI College from 1965-1978. Shortly after settling on Aquidneck Island, she joined the St. Michael's Country Day School faculty where she became a beloved physical education teacher to elementary school aged students for more than 20 years. She was an active parent supporting her own children's activities including as a Girl Scout leader and Middletown High School Band Booster President.

Marge and Art traveled throughout their lives, and after his passing, she continued to travel often with family and friends.

Retirement allowed time for social and volunteer activities that supported and celebrated women and education: AAUW, Stanford Alumni Association and others. She enjoyed her scholarship committee work with PEO International Chapter D-RI in particular. A dedicated teacher, she believed her education was her life's foundation, and worked to expand access to educational opportunities for others.

Marge is survived by her daughter Lisa J. Bohner of Middletown, RI, her son Kurt A. Smith and his partner Kevin F. Regan of Hudson, NY, grandson Calvin A. Bohner and his wife Anikka (Schliesmann) of New Haven, CT, and granddaughter Katherine R. Bohner of West Hartford, CT, and her partner Henry G. Brisebois.

Visiting hours Thursday, January 15th, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm; celebration of life on Friday, January 16th, 10:00 am at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI. Christian burial at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, immediately following the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PEO Foundation -Chapter D-RI Scholarship Fund, PEO EO, 3700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312.