CDH Board Member Sr. Margery Smith, CSJ Passes Away

March 23, 2018

Cretin-Derham Hall Board of Director and beloved St. Catherine University professor Sr. Margery Smith, CSJ passed away on March 14, 2018. She had served on the Cretin-Derham Hall Board since 2003 representing our co-sponsor, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

President Frank Miley reflected on her service to Cretin-Derham Hall. "As we mourn her loss, the Cretin-Derham Hall community is honored to be counted among her passions and is grateful for her years of leadership on our Board. She will be missed." 

May eternal rest shine upon her.

CDH teachers remember her fondly.  

Katie Kreitzer said, “Sr. Margery used to do cameos in our summer theater productions, including Jesus Christ Superstar. What a woman!”

Julie Quinn-Kiernan shared, “Loved her! Never afraid to say what was on her mind.”

Sheila Malone-Povolny wrote, “She was my teacher in college. She was fabulous. She influenced my teaching from the very beginning. I loved her strong opinions and wit. Rest in peace, Sr. Margery. You were fierce.”

Excerpt from St. Catherine University’s obituary notice:

Sister Margery received her bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Catherine in 1949. She was a dedicated professor in the English department from 1968–93 and served as the St. Catherine University Archives Director from 1993-2011. Her exemplary work earned her the 2010-11 Alumnae Award.

One of Margery’s special contributions to St. Kate’s as a whole was her labor of love in the founding of the Antonian Scholars Honors Program. After Margery retired from teaching in the English Department, she continued to contribute the University by beginning a rewarding career as St. Kate’s archivist and regularly teaching the history of the “Book” to appreciative audiences. Through the years, she also regularly addressed St. Kates’ alumnae groups, captivating them with her sense of humor, keen mind, and scintillating literary insights.



To her last days, Margery’s intellect remained strong, and her faith provided a sure beacon to guide her. Moreover, her strong Catholic faith combined with a deeply-held respect for others’ religions. Margery was a courageous woman who possessed a delightfully feisty rebelliousness and knew how to speak truth to power. The impact she had on those around her is immeasurable, from the history and knowledge she preserved for future generations to the young lives she helped guide and educate. She will be dearly missed.