Pauline A Smarch

Pauline Ann Smarch, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, 84, of Marysville entered eternal life on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

She was born on February 17, 1940 in Harbor Beach to the late Roman and Grace (Wehner) Dropeske and was the youngest of four daughters. Her family grew up on a farm in Huron County where she fed the chickens, drove a tractor, learned how to sew, embroider and keep a proper home. She was an obedient child and always looked forward to dressing up to attend church on Sunday.

Pauline attended school in Helena and Ruth through 11th grade until 1957 when the family moved to Marysville. She graduated from Marysville High School in 1958 and worked co-op at the Michigan Bell Telephone Company as an operator. She also received her diploma from Saint Peter and Paul in Ruth.

After graduation, Pauline drove a yellow convertible which was noticed by Ron being driven around town since he had a car very similar. Soon these two attended a friend’s wedding and that is where their true love story began. Pauline and Ron were married in November of 1960 and were blessed with four beautiful daughters. Pauline led by example and displayed the qualities that were important for her daughters to achieve, such as being a strong Catholic, how to cook and clean, and the importance of family and celebrations. She had the uncanny ability to express herself through clothing, always shopping for something new including making matching outfits for her daughters. Pauline was a stay-at-home mom until 1980 when she began attending Port Huron Cosmetology College where she earned her diploma and opened “A Shear Delight” beauty shop which she enjoyed for over ten years.

Later on, Pauline felt the need to go back to school to learn something new so she attended St. Clair County Community College and then Rochester College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology. She was employed at Marwood Nursing and Rehab where she shared her kind demeanor with patients until her retirement.

Through the years, Pauline was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, an active member of the Ladies Altar Society, member of Friends of the Marysville Library, was President of the Marysville Women’s Club and enjoyed Bridge Club. She shared her beautiful voice with the Sweet Adelines Chorus where she was involved in rehearsals and competitions. She shared her love of entertaining as a Red Cross Clown where she visited nursing homes, participated in parades and also earned many gallon pins for blood donations.

She enjoyed collecting religious items, candy dishes and trinket boxes. Pauline truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures such as chatting with friends and family, eating desserts, playing cards, genealogy, camping, bowling, golfing, knitting and macrame. Pauline and Ron were avid travelers who enjoyed motorhome trips to many cities, exploring Europe in the 1970’s, Las Vegas and many cruises. In later years, they enjoyed the warmer weather in Florida and their home in Lakeland. Many memories were made attending her Dropeske cousin’s luncheons, and meeting monthly with the Florida group. Pauline and Ron enjoyed the Bluewater Polka Boosters where they showcased their polka dancing and their joy for holding each other, smiling and singing to the music.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ronald; daughters, Corrine Smarch, Cindy (Edward) Atkins, Rhonda (Steven) Bondi and Paulette Smarch; grandchildren, Parker, Rachel, Dominic, Sabrina, Avery and Sophie; and her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roman and Grace (Wehner) Dropeske; and sisters, Joyce Gentner, Sharon Torello and Virginia Mazure.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025 in the Marysville Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. followed by a time of sharing.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 in St. Christopher Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Reverend James Arwady will officiate.

Burial will be in Riverlawn Cemetery, Marysville. Pallbearers will be Bryan, Darren and Stephen Smarch, Parker Bondi, and Dominic and Avery Atkins.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Christopher Catholic Church. To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com