Marilyn Vera Smith-Ernst

Marilyn was born in Ottawa as the third of four children (all predeceased). It was there she met and married Clayton Smith in 1950 and together they raised five children. (Son David, predeceased in 2020.) The couple lived in Ontario, Nfld and Nova Scotia before settling in Langley, BC in 1980 as (almost) empty nesters. Family trips included a few car rides across Canada, and regular camping in PEI or at their lot on Molega Lake, NS. The couple enjoyed travelling and in their retirement, volunteered at a church in Nairobi, Kenya for a total of three 1/2 years, and wintered in Mesa, Arizona.

Marilyn was widowed in 1993 and a few years later met Don Ernst from Ontario. The couple were married in 1997 and made Langley their home. Together they continued wintering in Mesa and made regular trips “back east” to visit family. The CLA church, and the relationships built there, continued to be an ongoing blessing in their life. Since 2014, Marilyn and Don made Harrison Pointe in Langley their home and became a well loved part of that community.

Marilyn’s hope and joy in her faith in Jesus was evident in how she lived and her attitude in life. She was always involved in her local church and, for many years, enjoyed being part of the choir. She played the piano and accordion. Her home still displays some of her embroidery and stained glass works. She loved black licorice and a Buster Bar from DQ! Marilyn was also known for her “spunk” and was a bit of a prankster in her day! Evidence of her playful spirit shone through when she would short sheet a guest’s bed or arrange fun group games for company. Her zest for life was still evident in her later years, as she was known to comment to her grandchildren that, “This getting old isn’t for sissies!”

Marilyn’s deep faith was a guiding light throughout her life, bringing comfort, hope and love to those around her. She prayed daily for her friends and ever growing family (10 Smith and 16 Ernst grandchildren, and 18 Smith and 19 Ernst great grandchildren!) While we will miss her gentle spirit, kind heart, spunk and grace, we take comfort in knowing that she is now in the loving arms of her Saviour.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23

The family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life for Marilyn on August 20th at 2pm and welcome you to share memories at a reception immediately following the service

Location: Henderson’s Funeral Home, 20786 Fraser Hwy, Langley