Sister Marla (Virginia) Smith, OSF, died Sunday, November 21, 2021 at the age of 98.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2021. 

Virginia, daughter of the late William and Mae (Forey) Smith, was born December 29, 1922 in Webster City, IA. She was baptized at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Webster City and confirmed at St. Mary’s, Williams, IA. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque from St. Thomas Aquinas, Webster City on August 25, 1949. She was received with the name Sister Mary Marla on August 12, 1950 and made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1955.

Sister received her master’s degree in nutrition from Iowa State University, Ames, IA. She ministered as a dietician in Iowa at Xavier Hospital, Dubuque and at Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames. Sister also ministered as a teacher at Immaculate Conception Academy, Dubuque and as a secretary at Iowa State University.

Sister is survived by her sister, Harriet Weeg, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters. 

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Margaret Smith; her brother Clement Smith; her sisters-in-law Mary and Marjorie Smith; and her brother-in-law Gerard “Jerry” Weeg.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque.