Dorothy Norma Smith

We are saddened to announce the passing of Dorothy Norma Smith (nee Richardson), cherished widow of Arthur Edmead Llewellyn Smith (1935-2011) and beloved mother of Andrew Llewellyn Jackson-Smith and Carla Elizabeth Smith. She was a proud and loving grandmother to four grandchildren: Riley Jackson-Smith, Tyson Jackson-Smith, Jaiden Jackson-Fuller, and Tenesha Jackson-Fuller.

She was daughter to the late Alma Richardson (nee Hodge) and Fredrick Richardson. She was the dear sister of her three surviving siblings, Walcott Richardson (Joyce Richardson), Carl Richardson (Mary Lee Richardson), and Irma Richardson. She was also dear to her five siblings who passed on before her: Leslie Vernon Richardson (Gertrude Richardson), Olga Richardson, Vera Richardson, Bertha Richardson (Austin Richardson), and Constantine Richardson (Joanice Richardson). She was also welcomed in and beloved by her husband’s family, including her surviving brother- and sisters-in-law, Glendale Smith (Vanetta Smith), Dorothy Smith, and Camella Smith. Although physically separated from her immediate family for most of her adult life, she enjoyed close relationships with extended family in her adopted home in Canada, including the Richardson, Bussue, Hodge, Gumbs, Riley, Franklin, and Procope/Colarco families. Close family overseas included the Hallidays, Abrahams, Lewises, Hughes, Mussingtons, Connor, Fleming, Lloyds, Busbys, Nileses, Defoes, Bitos, Franklins, Bryans, and Bryson-Pantophlets. Whether connected by blood or love alone, she was a precious “sister” and “auntie” to countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dorothy was born March 2, 1943 on the island of Aruba (Dutch West Indies). In 1949, she and her three older sisters (Vera, Irma, and Bertha) moved to live with their maternal grandmother, Mary Hodge, on the beautiful island of Anguilla, their family’s homeland. An avid student, she excelled in her studies, earning a scholarship for higher education. After completing high school, she moved to the island of Nevis (then part of the British colony of St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla), where she taught school in the town of Charleston. While living in Nevis, she stayed in the home of Ingle and Eileen Blackett and their four children, all of whom remained life-long friends. Dorothy left St. Kitts-Nevis to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree at the Barbados campus of the University of the West Indies. After returning to Nevis, she met and fell in love with the man who would eventually become her dear husband, “Ed”. He emigrated to Canada following their engagement, and Dorothy eventually joined him for their wedding on December 27, 1969 in Toronto, Ontario. It was here that they eventually welcomed and raised their two children.

After spending over a decade as a “stay-at-home mom”, Dorothy returned to school and earned her certificate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from George Brown College, with a plan to pursue her calling for nurturing the development of young hearts and minds. For many years she worked as an early childhood educator in City of Toronto daycares, before retiring in the early 2000s. She was adored and appreciated by the children she cared for, their parents, and her coworkers.

Dorothy was raised as a devoted member of the Methodist Church, and she diligently served in her local congregations in Anguilla and Nevis before her emigration to Canada. While in Canada, she continued to dedicate herself to the work of the Church, particularly in developing and leading multiple children’s programs during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s at Oakwood Wesleyan Church. In the early 2000s, she and her husband became committed members of the congregation at Wesley Chapel Free Methodist Church, under the pastorage of Rev. Dr. Sabrina Jordan. Following the death of her husband in 2011, she moved to live closer to her son and grandchildren in Burlington, Ontario, where she was warmly welcomed into the congregation at Crosswalk Community Church, under the pastorage of Rev. Mark Earle.

Dorothy was known for her kind, compassionate nature and her love for children and people in general. She had a passion and skill for crafts, particularly crochet, often creating and distributing gifts of stuffed animals, clothing, and home decor. One of her most notable projects, and a point of pride in her home for many years, was a wall-length crocheted hanging of the Lord’s Prayer. Even in her last days, she loved crosswords and other word and logic puzzles that challenged and stimulated her mind.

Dorothy is survived by too many family and friends to name, those who loved her for her thoughtfulness and care. She was affectionately known as “Radio Canada” to her family overseas, due to her regular efforts to remain connected and share news with them across the distance that physically separated them. Countless friends and family in the West Indies, Canada, England, and the United States will miss her phone calls, especially on their birthdays, which she very rarely forgot.

As we mourn the loss of her, we find comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind. Her love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family and friends will forever serve as a guiding light in all that knew her. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Any names omitted from this tribute were due to oversight, not malice, as she loved and appreciated all who were part of her life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to International Child Care Ministries (a charity of the Free Methodist Church https://childcareministries.net/) or a children’s charity of your choice.

The family appreciates all of your prayers and kind gestures during this difficult time. May her soul rest in perpetual peace and rise in glory.

A visitation for Dorothy will be held Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Jerrett Funeral Homes, 660 Kennedy Road, Toronto, ON M1K2B5. A funeral service will occur Monday, April 7, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Wesley Chapel Free Methodist Church, 2385 Warden Ave., Toronto, ON M1W 1G8. A burial will occur Monday, April 7, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre, 625 Birchmount Rd, Toronto, ON M1K 1R1.

For those not able to attend the service or internment, you are welcome to view the service through the Livestream link below as we celebrate a life well lived.

https://ipickart.com/stream/DorothyNormaSmith/