Marie A. Smokovich

Marie A. Smokovich, age 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 11, 1944, she was the daughter of the late John W. and Mary E. (Quirk) Brabants.  Marie was raised in Boston's "Southie" neighborhood, where she found her musical talent at a young age, learning to play the violin.  While attending South Boston High School, Marie showcased her talent as a member of the orchestra before her graduation in 1962.   Following her graduation, Marie took the part-time position with the Sturdy Lantern Company in South Boston that she had started while still in school and turned it into a full-time job, assuming the role of company secretary.

Marie married her beloved husband, Matthew John Smokovich, on October 29, 1966, at Saint Augustine's Church in South Boston.  The young couple initially made their home together on Staten Island, where Marie took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her family.   In 1974, Marie and Matthew left the city and made their home in Middletown, New Jersey, where they raised two children, Christine and Matthew, Jr.  Once settled in her home in Middletown, Marie took to the local bowling alleys, demonstrating her skills, joining several leagues, and quickly becoming a member of the "300 Club."  Back at home, Marie loved being in her kitchen, cooking up all of her family's favorite recipes, including her famous Italian sauce.  At the end of a long day, Marie enjoyed relaxing in her living room, tuning in to watch her favorite soap operas or old movies.   More recently, Marie made her home with her sister, Betty, in Norfolk, Massachusetts.  Together, the two sisters looked forward to filling their home with music centered around the piano, with Betty playing the notes and Marie singing the lyrics.

Beloved wife of the late Matthew John Smokovich.

Loving mother of Christine M. Friedman and her husband, Jon, of Farmingdale, New Jersey, and the late Matthew John Smokovich, Jr.

Cherished grandmother of Jon Matthew Friedman, Austin James Friedman, Megan Elizabeth Friedman, Noah Thomas Friedman, Aiden Michael Friedman, Taylor Grace Friedman, and Amanda Rose Butkewich and her husband, David Bahia.

Sister of Elizabeth P. Kelley and her husband, Thomas, of Norfolk, Robert M. Brabants and his wife, Cheryl, of Sandwich, Donald P. Brabants and his wife, Neiva, of North Easton, the late John W. Brabants, Jr. and his surviving wife, Janet, of Scottsdale, Arizona, and the late Edmund J. "Buddy" Brabants and his surviving wife, Marie, of Norfolk.

Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather at Saint Jude’s Church, 86 Main Street, Norfolk on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 11:00 am, prior to Marie’s Memorial Mass that will be celebrated at 11:30 am in the church.  Interment will take place privately in New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Marie's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or by visiting www.alz.org

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.