Edith Rita (Smith) Flemming

It is with devastating sadness that once again our family has to announce the passing of a parent. Our dear father, Patrick Flemming died on October 30, 2025. Now our sweet, beloved mother, Edith Rita Flemming (nee Smith ) has passed away at the age of 88 on November 10, 2025. Together in life, together forever.

Edith was born in Halifax on December 24, 1936 to Mary and Percy Smith. She was a wonderful Christmas gift to the rest of the world, spreading joy and love in her own unique way. She will always be remembered with a smile by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Edith was a woman of great strength and character. She was the youngest of a family of 12, including some rather rambunctious brothers. She often told stories of the various boys trying to pull pranks on her and her sisters, but they gave back as much as they received.

At age 16, she started to travel into Spryfield on the bus with her friends to go to movies and such. At that time a young man from the area, Patrick, noticed her and started courting her. A love story began that lasted 72 years. Together they raised seven children, 2 boys and 5 girls, and Edith was the engine that kept it all running.

As the children became older, she re-entered the workforce, taking clerking jobs at accounting firms and Canfor Building Products. When Herring Cove Junior High eventually opened, she became secretary to the Principal, and stayed there for a number of years. She was a fixture at the school, and knew every student by name. She chaperoned end of school year trips and even volunteered to play goalie at the student/teacher hockey game one year, even though she had never played before.

Edith was an ardent sports person. You could always hear her cheering at sporting events, whether it be for her kids, or when following the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Penguins. She had a unique cheering voice, which many will never forget.

Edith is survived by her children: Janice Turner (Tom Hall) , Joanne Flemming, Philip (Irene) Flemming, Christine Flemming, Melinda Murphy, Stephen (Debbie) Flemming, Susan (Eldon) Ellsworth, 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Edith was predeceased by her husband Patrick, parents Mary and Percy, sisters: Marguerite, Myie (Forbes), Ellen (McCorry) and brothers: Roy, Gordon, Charlie, Bert, Dougie, George, Arthur, and Alfred.

There will be a joint funeral mass for both Patrick and Edith on Tuesday, December 2nd at 11am at Stella Maris Parish, 14 St. Michaels Ave, Spryfield, NS

Special thanks to: QEII 8th Flr Staff, Chaplain Ross, Father Ron and Father Francesco. Also thanks to Parkland Clayton Park, and the staff there, especially the 4th floor nurses.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local food banks. Thank you.