Tribute

Mum passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, early Wednesday morning July 13, 2016 after a long battle with dementia.  She was 95 years old and would have been 96yrs of age in two weeks time.

Born in Middlesex County, Ontario on July 25, 1920 to Carmel and Ruby (Stirton) Smith.  Helen was predeceased by her parents, husband Joseph (1984), brothers Walter (1971) Richard (2003) and nephew Bill (2012), whom she considered as a thrid son.  She is survived by her sister Catharine and sons Peter (Ethel) and Dick (Sherry) and families.  Included are numerous nephews (Cain) and nieces (Smith, Cain).Helen met her husband Joe in Calgary, where they both grew up.  They were married in September, 1941, where Dad went for wireless training after volunteering for the war effort.  They were transferred to Victoria before moving to Vancouver in 1946 to begin raising a family.After a brief move to Victoria in 1975 they retired to Duncan in 1979. Following Dad’s passing in 1984, Mum stayed in Duncan and designed/built her own house in 1987.  She was a go-getter and travelled to New Zealand and Australia on her own and then enjoyed a Maritime tour with a close friend.  She had ants in her pants though and decided to move to a lovely patio home in Nanaimo in 1996, likely because it was half way between her two sons, in Duncan and Campbell River.  She stayed in close contact and visited with Duncan friends frequently.Mum moved to Longlake Chateau in Nanaimo close to her 89th birthday but only stayed a couple of years before dementia forced her to move to Dufferin Place.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the thoughtful care that Mom received at Dufferin Place, especially in her final days.  They all were so good and kind to her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Edwards Parish in Duncan on July 25, 2016 at 11:00a.m.  Mum’s remains will be cremated and placed alongside Dads.

Flowers are gratefully declined.  Donation to Dufferin Place or the Alzheimers Society would be appreciated.