Margaret Stella Smietana passed away quietly in her sleep on May 9. She was 86 and had lived in Alpine for the past 16 years.

Margaret was born on August 28, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Stella Culp. She married the late John J. Smietana on October 23, 1954, soon after high school. They raised three children together: John Jr., Marjorie Lynn, and Robert Charles Smietana.

Margaret was an expert in the preparation of upscale meals and baked goods. She was famous for a number of items, including her New York cherry cheesecake, traditional Polish meals, and a variety of Christmas treats, and sweets, among other things. She was an avid reader who delighted in passing on her enthusiasm for literature to her children, grandchildren, and friends. Gardening and crocheting were two of her favorite hobbies that she pursued in her leisure time. Additionally, it was well known that she had a soft spot for animals.

Mother Stella, father Charles, and husband John were all deceased before Margaret. Her surviving family members include her children John (Evelyn) of Alpine, Marjorie of Odessa, and Robert (the late Dyonne Talbott) of Escondido, CA; two granddaughters, Catherine and Laura (Earnest Jones) of New Braunfels; three great-grandchildren, Easton, Ellis, and Evander Jones; brother Charles (Geraldine) Culp of Churchville, PA; niece Denise Boyle of Churchville; nephew Gregory (Christine) Culp of Myrtle Beach, SC; great-grand nieces Shannon, Cailin Boyle, and Jenna Culp; greatgrandnephew Gregory Culp On Friday, July 14, at 10 a.m., a memorial service will take place at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine, and burial will follow at Holy Angels Cemetery. Blue was Margaret’s favorite color.