Teacher, mother of Harvard woman
Marion Kaegebein. (Courtesy photo)
Marion Smith Kaegebein, 82, of Lakeland, Fla., died of complications from a fall Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
Marion was born in Buffalo, New York, on March 25, 1925, daughter of Ralph E. and Gertrude Stoesser Smith. She was a graduate of Buffalo State Teachers College. She married E. William Kaegebein in 1947, and during their 60-year marriage they lived in New York State, North Carolina, Ohio, and Georgia before settling in Florida.
Marion taught hundreds of young children, working in elementary schools wherever she and Bill lived. They were always active in a United Methodist Church, where Marion enjoyed singing in the choir and being a youth group leader. She also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was active in the United Methodist Women, holding leadership positions at the local and district levels.
Marion is survived by her husband; three daughters, Kathleen (Kay) Steeves and her husband Richard of Acton, Deborah (Debbie) Kaegebein and her husband Dennis Bradley of Harvard; and Becky Croke and her husband Michael of Sylvania, Ohio; and her sister Virginia Molin and her husband Carl of Snyder, N.Y. and Jupiter, Fla. She is also survived by her seven cherished grandchildren: Jeff (and wife Karen) and Adam Steeves, Collyn and Corey Bradley, and Jeremy (and fiancé Alina Gorniak), Kevin, and Brandon Croke. She was predeceased by a brother, Dr. Ralph E. Smith, and a sister, Betty Hutchinson.
Memorial services were held Thursday, Feb. 28, at Carpenter’s Home Estates Chapel, with the Reverend Dr. Ben F. Wade officiating.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Marion’s memory can be made to the CHERA Scholarship Fund, c/o the Estates at Carpenters, 1001 Carpenters Way, Lakeland, Fla. 33809, or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences can be sent to the family at HeathFuneralChapel.com.
