With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Marcia (Ripic) Smith, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Willow Point Nursing Home, with her loving family by her side.
Marcia was born on August 3, 1946, in Endicott, New York, to John and Julia Ripic.
Marcia is lovingly survived by her children, Kimberly Ruck (Russell Decker), Vincent (Andrea) Smith, and Valerie (Pawel) Karczynski; and by her cherished grandchildren, Julianna “AJ,” Isaiah, Allison (Alex), Katie, and Gwendolyn. Affectionately known as “Mana” by her grandchildren, the nickname began when her oldest granddaughter, Julianna “AJ,” couldn’t quite say “Grandma.” “Mana” became the name that stuck and was forever a symbol of the special bond she shared with each of her grandchildren. She also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sheldon “Shelly” Smith; her parents, John and Julia Ripic; her brothers, John and Thomas Ripic; her beloved Pomeranians, Cookie, Max-a-Million, and Inga; and her parents-in-law, Hyman and Edith Smith.
Alongside her husband, Sheldon “Shelly” Smith, Marcia proudly owned and operated Warwick’s Bridal Salon, where “Dreams Come True.” Later, she found her calling as a teacher’s aide at BOCES, where she dedicated herself to supporting students in their learning and daily school activities before retiring.
Marcia’s greatest accomplishment was her family. She lived a life of selfless devotion and demonstrated the true meaning of love through her actions. Every Thursday, she lovingly pin-curled her mother’s hair until her passing. She then became her father John’s devoted caregiver, taking him to church every Saturday, out to dinner, and on their cherished drives together until his passing in 2010.
She taught her family strong moral values, discipline, and the importance of hard work by the example she set every day. Marcia believed that life’s greatest blessings were found around the dinner table and on family vacations. Family traditions were at the heart of her life. She was famous for her Christmas punch, made by the gallon, though the recipe remained a closely guarded secret. She loved to cook and bake, especially using the baseball bat-sized zucchini from her garden. Holidays, cookouts, Saturday night takeout, and family dinners brought everyone together, creating memories that will be treasured forever. One of her family’s most cherished traditions was their annual trips to Wildwood, New Jersey, where laughter, time together, walks along the boardwalk, and stopping for ice cream became treasured memories that will live on for generations.
Halloween was another one of Marcia’s favorite times of the year. She delighted in dressing up and embracing the fun of the holiday, whether she was going door-to-door in costume or greeting trick-or-treaters from her home. She became a neighborhood favorite by handing out candy to the SUNY students from a frying pan while playfully using a mannequin hand to surprise them, creating laughter and unforgettable memories for everyone who crossed her path.
Marcia was deeply involved in her grandchildren’s lives and was a constant presence in their school activities, always supporting their academic achievements, classroom events, performances, sporting events, and extracurricular activities. She took great pride in encouraging their education and celebrating each of their milestones.
Her faith remained unwavering throughout her life. Marcia generously gave of herself to her church, volunteered countless hours, mowed the grounds, and lovingly cared for St. Peter & Paul Cemetery. She believed every life—no matter how big or small—had value. Her compassion extended to her students at BOCES, her community, and anyone fortunate enough to know her.
Marcia’s strength, generosity, unwavering faith, and fierce love for her family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She touched countless lives through her kindness, infectious sense of humor, and selflessness, and her legacy will continue to live on in the family she cherished and the many lives she enriched.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Willow Point Nursing Home and to her devoted companion caregivers: her beloved granddaughter, Julianna “AJ”; her grandson, Isaiah; Kaylee Crocker; Amber Angione; Sean O’Neil and Kim Wooden, for the exceptional love and care they provided.
Funeral services will be held Friday July 31stat 11:00 AM at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY. Burial will follow in Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Thursday July 30th from 5 to 7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SPEAK Animal Rescue & Sanctuary or to a local Humane Society in Marcia’s memory.