Margaret Klaus Smith

Margaret “Molly” Klaus Smith January 24, 1957 - March 28, 2026 Margaret “Molly” Klaus Smith, 69, of Montgomery, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at the nursing home in Tomball where she lived for the past two years. Molly was born on January 24, 1957 and raised in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, by her late parents Joseph and Margaret “Peggy” (McHale) Klaus.One of seven children, Molly grew up working in her father’s grocery store, where her strong work ethic and warm spirit first took shape. She graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School and Susquehanna University before moving to Texas, where she built her life and raised her family. Molly is survived by her husband of 30 years Walter Smith who remained faithfully by her side throughout her health challenges and her final days. Even as she faced Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and other health challenges, she never lost her ability to express love—always able to say “I love you” and to hold the hands of her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was a proud and loving mother to her three children, whom she considered her greatest accomplishment: Joseph “Joey” Saxe (Joy), Karl Saxe (Meaghan), and Victoria “Vickie” Saxe (Doak), and she cherished her relationship with her stepson Mark Orgeron. She was also a doting grandmother to four grandchildren who called her Naunie, just as her children called her own mother. Molly is survived by her siblings: Joseph Klaus (Chris); Philip Klaus (Donna); James “Jimmy” Klaus (Sue); Madge Hackworth (James); and her twin sister and best friend Tina Thomas (Bill); siblings-in-law Jeffrey Gobeli, Laura Gobeli (Matt), Mark and Julia Hubacher, Dale Gobeli, and Teresa Van Horn (Chip), along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and former students whose lives she touched deeply. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Marty Klaus, nephew Jordan Beier, parents-in-law Leonard and Marlene Gobeli, and siblings-in-law Calvin and Kris Smith. Molly dedicated nearly 25 years to teaching special education in Klein and Magnolia ISDs including working with students in alternative behavioral settings. Molly believed deeply that every child deserved to feel valued and loved, and she tirelessly advocated for her students to receive what they needed inside and outside of the classroom, even when it meant buying it herself. She spent many years teaching students with disabilities receiving homebound services, forming lasting bonds with those families who became lifelong friends. Known affectionately as the nicest teacher—and nicest person in the world—she brought humor, patience, and compassion into every room. Even during Saturday detention, her kindness shone through when she would often bring donuts for students and let them go home early. Molly loved the beach, swimming, gardening, reality television, the classic literature she taught in school, music, and, above all else, her family.She will be remembered for her kindness, her humor, her unwavering love, and the countless lives she shaped as a teacher, mother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A celebration of life will be held later in the year. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, or asks that you honor Molly’s legacy by thanking a teacher who made a meaningful difference in your life.