Margaret Elaine Smith

Margaret Elaine Willding Smith, “Maggie,” 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 18, 2019, surrounded by her loving family and close friends. Born May 23, 1941 in Des Moines, Iowa to Alice Christine Leaf and Arthur Louis Willding, she was the youngest of nine children in their large Catholic family. Along with her siblings, Maggie was raised with her nieces Sue Boggan and Carole Flynt, who were like sisters to her.

Maggie’s granddaughter Brittany best described her in a single word: Inimitable. Defined as impossible to copy; unique – she truly was. Her grandson T.K. expressed gratitude for a lifetime of unconditional love, humor and joy, especially thanking his grandmother for “teaching me to live for myself and not worry about the opinions of others.”

Born with a zest for life, Maggie had an enduring love for family and friends. She was legendary for throwing large parties and relished a house filled with multiple generations. From lifelong friends around the kitchen table, to children running about or splashing in the swimming pool, all while the smell of barbeque filled the air, the gatherings were celebrations and all-around great fun.

Little things were not lost on Maggie. Her great niece Lauren recalled anticipating her yearly birthday card (everyone got one, typically with a crisp dollar bill inside), no small feat given Maggie’s large extended family. Niece Teri recalled how Maggie “gave the best hugs.” These and countless more memories will keep Maggie alive in our hearts and minds forever.

Raised in Dallas, Texas, Maggie attended Our Lady of Good Counsel in Oak Cliff. With her first husband Bill Anderson, she had three children, Eileen Francis, Michael Philip and Julie Christine. Later moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, she married Arthur James “A.J.” Smith and they were together for 21 years prior to his death in 2002. While in Las Vegas, she worked as a senior security official at McCarran International Airport, returning to Dallas following retirement.

Along with Arthur, Christine and A.J., Maggie is preceded in death by her daughter Eileen, her sister Delores Vivian, brothers John Arthur (Jan), Robert Louis (Lorna), Ward William, Thomas Eugene (Georgia), Donald Joseph (Barbara) and Richard Alan (Kay), brother-in-law William Robert Addington and niece Elaine Kilbane. Maggie is survived by her sister, Mary Elizabeth Addington, who is her remaining sibling.

Additionally, she is survived by her children Michael Anderson and Julie Hunt (Roger); step-children Deborah Harrington (Gregory), Michael Smith (Elena), Dyana Parise and Kelly Smith; grandchildren Thomas Keeley, Brittany Anderson, Clayton Anderson, Victoria Hunt Brito, Crystal Anderson, Jordan Hunt, Brian Anderson and Richard Hunt (Samantha); and, great grandchildren Christopher and Ella Brito. Surviving nieces and nephews of Willding descent include: Carole Flynt, Sue Boggan, Ouida Fox, John A., R. Stephen, Linda Prewitt, David, Teri, Kathy Carter, Liz Robbins, Tricia Rhea, Janice Kolb, Michael, Monica, Peter, Guy and Mark, Robert and Randall Addington, as well as many step grandchildren, cousins, great nieces and nephews.

The family of Margaret Elaine Smith will receive friends at Calvary Hill Funeral Home Chapel, August 9, 2019, from 4p.m. to 7p.m., with the Rosary led by Brittany Anderson to begin at 6p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated August 10, at noon, at Calvary Hill Main Mausoleum, officiated by

Fr. Jovita Okoli, with a reception immediately following at the Lakes at Castle Hills, 699 Lady of the Lake Blvd, Lewisville, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.