Margaret Smith

Maggie Louise France-Smith passed peacefully on December 19, 2025, surrounded by family members and friends who loved her deeply.Born on August 7, 1947, in Washington, D.C., Maggie was the daughter of John France, a World War II veteran, and Ellen Jackson, a factory worker and teacher whose work ethic and resilience clearly lived on in her daughter. Maggie spent most of her childhood and life in the La Plata, Maryland area, where she developed the strong will, independence, and unmistakable personality that would define her life.Maggie began her career in healthcare, working as a nurse in a doctor’s office from 1969 to 1978. In 1974, she married Frank Rivell, and in 1975 they welcomed their daughter, Ellen Elizabeth Rivell. Although the marriage ended in divorce in 1978, Maggie’s devotion to her daughter never wavered.In 1979, Maggie boldly entered the car sales industry—then a heavily male-dominated field. Through determination, confidence, and sharp instincts, she became one of the top car salespeople on the East Coast in the early 1980s, proving she could outwork and outsmart anyone on the lot.In 1985, Maggie married Robert “Bob” Walker, a firefighter with the Clinton, Maryland station. Their time together was heartbreakingly brief, as Bob passed away two years later from complications related to diabetes. Maggie carried that loss with strength and quiet perseverance.She later joined Safeway’s corporate office in the Washington, D.C. area, first as a bookkeeper and later as the Maryland District Distribution Head Administrator. Her leadership, organizational skill, and no-nonsense approach earned her respect wherever she worked.In 1990, Maggie met David Smith, a retired naval officer, and they married in 1993. They shared many years together until David’s passing in 2018 due to complications from COPD.Maggie was deeply involved in the Elks and VFW organizations, serving as Women’s President and holding numerous leadership roles across the country, including Clinton and Waldorf, Maryland; Clovis, New Mexico; and Punta Gorda, Florida. Her commitment to service and community was unwavering.Those who knew Maggie best will remember her ornery sense of humor and her ever-present wisecracks. She always had a sharp remark ready—often perfectly timed—and never missed an opportunity to speak her mind. Her humor was part of her charm and a source of laughter for family and friends alike.Maggie had a deep love for the Lord, and her faith was a constant source of strength throughout her life. It carried her through many hardships and heartaches, grounding her with resilience, hope, and grace even in life’s most difficult seasons.

Maggie suffered profound loss with the passing of her beloved daughter, Ellen Rivell-Atkinson, in November of 2013, and later with the death of her husband David. Through it all, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren became the heart of her world.In 2022, Maggie moved to Powell, Wyoming, to be closer to them. Her grandchildren—and her great-grandchildren, Ember and Remington—were truly the light of her eyes.Maggie also fiercely loved her dog, Buddy, who was her best friend and meant the world to her.Maggie is survived by her former son-in-law Joe Atkinson of Powell, Wyoming; her “new” bonus daughter Stacey Atkinson of Powell, Wyoming; her grandchildren Cruise Atkinson of Murray, Kentucky, Avery Autumn Atkinson (Husband- Justin Ortiz) of Powell, Wyoming, and Liam Atkinson of Powell, Wyoming; her bonus grandchildren Trenton Cannon of Powell, Wyoming, and Willie Cannon (Megan Cotter) of Powell, Wyoming; and her great-grandchildren Remington of Powell, Wyoming, and Ember of New Mexico.In accordance with Maggie’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. She requested that the ashes of her husband and daughter be brought to Wyoming so that the three of them may be reunited in Powell, Wyoming. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date once arrangements have been made.In lieu of flowers, Maggie would have preferred donations be made to the local animal shelter in her memory—because, as she often said, “flowers die anyway.”Maggie will be remembered as a trailblazer, a leader, a devoted mother and grandmother, a loyal friend, and a woman whose strength was matched only by her sharp wit, unwavering faith, and generous heart. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so fiercely and the laughter she left behind.