Marjorie Eileen Smika's Obituary
Marjorie Eileen Smika, 95, of Decatur, IL, passed away March 1, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Marjorie was born in Decatur on September 16, 1927, the daughter of Gola Eleanor Basham. She was adopted as a toddler and raised lovingly by Lafe and Clara DeJarnette. After graduating high school, Marjorie was a pioneer in data processing at Caterpillar, being the first keypunch operator. She married Samuel Roppa in 1946, and he preceded her in death. She married Richard “Dick” Smika in 1972, and he preceded her in death in 2011. Marjorie and Dick were avid Corvette enthusiasts who took an active part in the Rolling Prairie Corvette Club. She traveled extensively, including a journey to Route 66 in her Corvette. Marjorie was a longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church in Decatur. She will be fondly remembered for the love and attention that she showered on her children and grandchildren.
Marjorie is survived by her children Jimmy (Sheila) Roppa and Karen Roppa, both of Naples, FL; grandchildren Tony (Jill) Roppa, Gina Roppa, and Dominic (Kara) Roppa; great-grandchildren Devynn, Jace, Sam, Gianna, Jack, Stephen, Milaan, Sienna, and Gia; and great-great-grandchildren Brecklynn and Mason. She was preceded in death by her parents and both husbands.
Visitation for Marjorie will be from 10am to 11am on Wednesday, March 8, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 11am. Burial in Graceland Cemetery will follow the service. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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