Mary Smith

After a struggle with cancer, Mary peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family. Her gentle loving spirit went home to our Lord Jesus Christ. Mary is survived by her two loving daughters Arleigh (Henry) and Barbara, 9 grandchildren; Tracer (Allison), Sherad (Cristie), Leisha, Kenric (Lisa), Brenden (Emily), Jelena (Dickson), Krista (Rob), Leah (Jessi), and Danielle (Dwain), and 15 great grandchildren; Caleb, Anna, Grace, Noah, Alyssa, Dylan, Katalina, Natalia, Josiah, Zaiden, Zakai, Hunter, Isabella, Arthur, and Lilly, as well as sisters-in-law Eva and Erica, brother-in-law Albert, nephews Gerald, Bruce, and Darren and nieces June, Iris, Audra, and Lisa. She was pre-deceased by the love of her life Arthur, her parents John and Martha, sister Anne, and brother Mike.

Mary was the middle child of three and was born to John and Martha Belevetz in Planta, Poland. She immigrated to Canada at the age of 1 and grew up on a rural farm near Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. Mary had a hard life and worked endlessly on the family farm. At the age of 17 she left home to work in the city of Winnipeg and that is where she met Arthur, her husband, on a blind date. They married and raised 2 daughters, Arleigh and Barbara. Mary was a devoted wife and mother and supported Arthur through many moves until they finally settled in British Columbia on a small plot of land that they developed for their growing family. Mary was an avid gardener who nurtured young seedlings into bountiful producing plants. She loved to cook and would patiently tweak a recipe to perfection. Mary loved her family with her whole heart, especially her many grandchildren. She was a dear friend and caregiver and dedicated herself to serving others, her church, various youth groups, and the IPE. Mary’s spirit now rests in heaven, and her body will be laid to rest beside her best friend and husband. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on January 31, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Hamilton Harron Funeral Home, located at 5390 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC, V5W 2Z1, Canada.

Following the funeral service, a reception is scheduled from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at the same location.

A graveside service will take place on January 31, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Ocean View Funeral Home & Burial Park, located at 4000 Imperial St, Burnaby, BC, V5J 1A4, Canada.