Mary Smith

Born in the small mining community of Washington in the North East of England, Mary was the fourth child of Charlie and Mary Robson. She was predeceased by her sisters Jane, Betty, and Veronica, and by an infant brother. Like many of her generation, she left school at 14 and entered hospital-based nurse training. Over the next decade, she pursued specialized qualifications in District Nursing and Infectious Diseases—work that fed her sense of curiosity and her desire to see more of the world. Her early career took her to rural villages and small towns across the region, where she lived in residential nursing quarters and served with skill and compassion.

In her early twenties, Mary met Leonard (Len) Smith. After a few years of courtship, she followed him to Toronto, Canada, where they were married in 1956. The couple eventually made their home in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, raising seven children: Len (Carol), Barbara (Randy), Veronica, Mary, Joe (Jaime), Liz (Ron), and Jane (Greg). Len passed away in 2000. Mary is survived by her children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Mary was a quietly adventurous and deeply curious person who inspired those same qualities in her children. She explored a wide range of interests throughout her life—international cooking, calligraphy, Tai Chi, quilting, yoga, upholstery, and painting—often learning just enough to share her excitement with others. She was also a person of faith. A lifelong Catholic, she found support and guidance in her church’s teachings, and her generous spirit reflected those values. Mary welcomed others with ease—friends, newcomers, and people in need alike—and family Sunday dinners became a tradition of community and care, where one more place at the table was always possible.

She remained socially active well into her 80s, participating in quilting groups, heart fitness classes, and the Catholic Women’s League, only stepping back when she gave up her driver's license at age 89. Even in her final years, she remained mentally engaged—completing The Globe and Mail crossword (with a little help) and faithfully watching Rosemary Barton’s Power and Politics on the CBC into her 95th year.

Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in her final year but was able to continue to live in her home thanks to the unwavering care and commitment from her oldest daughter Barbara and son-in-law Randy. She also benefited from the Community Care services available to assist her and enrich her life. Her last few months were difficult—filled with uncertainty, the rapid loss of short-term memory, and an inability to fully understand what was happening. Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease that takes so much, including the hard-won dignity and wisdom of a life well lived. Yet even in her struggle, Mary’s kindness, warmth, and presence remained deeply felt.

She will be remembered always as a woman of quiet strength, endless curiosity, deep empathy, and steady love.