Marguerite "Skippy" O'Dea Smith

.Marguerite "Skippy" O'Dea Smith, age 91, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2019 in Gulfport, MS. She was born May 12, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. She worked many years as a bookkeeper for various organizations in Chicago until her retirement in 2007. She was strong in her Catholic beliefs. She was truly a courageous woman who fought numerous health issues and did so gracefully through her spirit. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She moved to the Gulf Coast in September 2012 to be near her son. She attended the Lyman Senior Center on County Farm Road where she made lasting memories and friends. She thoroughly enjoyed reading, baking, nature, and was an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan. She was a loving person and would give anything she had to help those less fortunate. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius (Neil) O'Dea and Mary Rose Sullivan O'Dea, siblings; Joseph, Arthur, Hugh "Mike," John, Robert, Ronald, Thomas, Frances "Dollie," Evelyn, Eileen "Babe." She is survived by her son, Robert Edward O'Dea and his wife, Elizabeth Ann Hester O'Dea of Gulfport, MS. Her extended loving in-law family Clyde and Betty Hester of Gulfport, MS. Siblings, Doris "Pat," Beverly, Helen, Noreen, Maureen "Mary," Sheila, Richard, and James. Marguerite is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A private blessing of the ashes will be held Monday morning for her son, daughter in law, and caregivers in the Gulfport area. There will be no formal service at Marguerite's request. A celebration of life will be held in Chicago at a later date where her friends and family from her birthplace will gather. Marguerite was an advocate for less fortunate children and animals. The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her honor. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.