Margaret Ann Smieja

Early Nov 21, 2013, Margaret Ann Smieja Willard went to her final home into the hands of our Lord. Margaret will be most remembered for her deep dependence on God, for the strength and faith that got her through many trials - and even to the point of death, in caring for a son until she was 84. All too familiar with what sacrifice meant, she lived a life of self denial, going without much in order to give what she had to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. This included the generational home 'Peaceful Valley Ranch' which she loved so much and lived on for 59 years. Margaret professed many times that God was number one and prayed for her family every day. She regularly worshiped Him in her Catholic Church, serving as a Greeter and Eucharist Minister at Holy Family in Yakima, but loved St. Peter's in Cowiche for many years prior and had even helped purchase the building for the church with her husband.
Her life highlights were getting married in 1945 to her dream sweetheart 'Buzz' Austin Ellis Willard and the joy of raising her family of seven; Arvle Willard of Yakima, Roger Willard of Kennewick, the late Daryl (J.D.) Willard of Vancouver, WA, David (Sharon) Willard of Pennsylvania; Diane (Gary) Miner of Yakima, Debbie (Keith) Beach of Covington, and Joy (Randy) Hanson of Bellingham. She also adored her 12 grandchildren Buzz, Aaric, Krystal, Lindsey, Rachael, Katie, David, Kathryn, John, Joy, Daniel, Ryan and 6 great grandchildren Parker, Solace, Pacey, Sawyer, Indy, and Evangeline. She loved family being together, Grandkid Week in July, visiting with friends, and believed every child she saw was beautiful. She also loved reading old time and humorous stories and cartoons, and had a good sense of humor, often laughing at herself. Margaret compiled books, "Kid's are Painfully Honest"- quotes from her own seven children growing up, 'Cute Things Grandkids Say', family recipes, and an autobiography of her life stories, as well as stories for family and classmates.
After being born a blessing to Agnes and John Smieja during a blizzard on Jan 26, 1924 in the Badlands of Marmarth, North Dakota, her family settled in Yakima shortly after. She loved every minute of her school days growing up at Tietonview Grade School and despite opposition from attending high school, became the only one of her siblings to go through high school graduation in 1943. Margaret followed her husband Buzz in the Air Force, then worked many hard seasons packing apples in the Cowiche area, and later ran a daycare in her home. Painting with oil and spending time in her gardens was pure joy, as well as cooking and preserving food which she freely shared. Margaret also served as den mother for her sons' Boy Scouts groups, leader for her daughters' Campfire Girl groups and school room mother for many years.
She is survived by sister Mary Tjarnberg; but preceded in death by her son Daryl and siblings Romeo Smieja, Grace Blondin, Helen Herke, Lawrence Smieja, John (died at birth), and Julia Decoto.
Please join us as we celebrate her faithful life at a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Catholic Church in Yakima Dec 6, 2013 at 11 am. Graveside service will be at Calvary Cemetery with a reception following at the Church. Please also join us for a Vigil Service and visitation the evening prior on Dec 5th at 6 pm at Holy Family.

SERVICES

Funeral service
Friday, December 06, 2013
11:00 AM
Holy Family Catholic Church
5315 Tieton Dr.
Yakima, WA