Maureen Margaret Smyth

The daughter of Sarah Greer (nee Harper) and James McShane Carphin, Maureen was born in Saskatoon and grew up in Winnipeg. She, her mother and brother Jim moved to Vancouver when she was 14, after her father's death. She graduated from Lord Byng high school and got her first job at the Bank of Commerce in downtown Vancouver. She met and married Tom 3 years later. (There is quite a story to their first date!)

Their daughter Laurie was born in Vancouver. When she was three weeks old, Laurie, Tom and Maureen moved across the country to Leamington, Ontario. No feat for the weak. Two years later, their son David was born. Maureen made some life-long friends and was surrounded by some wonderful neighbours in Leamington. The Smyth family lived there for 12 years until a move for Tom’s work took them to Toronto. She was a city girl at heart, so was happy to be there.

Despite being a city girl, Maureen spent so many weekends and holidays on the farm that she and Tom searched out and bought in Proton Station, Ontario. A lot of folks enjoyed country air along with Maureen’s signature hospitality there. When the farm moved to Bowden, Alberta with Dave, Jane and family, she visited as often as she could.

Tom’s role with Heinz Canada involved a lot of entertaining, offering hospitality for company clients, customers and Tom’s co-workers. Although it was expected of her by the company, this was a ‘task’ Maureen took on gladly. She was a part of the team and undertook what the company expected and she loved doing. They got a twofer with Maureen. She was a wonderful cook and a very gracious host. Making everyone feel welcome and included was something she did easily. The gracious hosting and wonderful meals were extended to all her family and friends, and they all looked forward to those meals and times together.

Tom and Maureen got to see so many parts of the world throughout their lives. Maureen has always been curious about people – where they’re from, and what makes them tick.

Although Maureen did not have a career as such, she was never idle. Laurie and Dave had the good fortune to have her welcome them at home at the end of the school day. She was an active volunteer for many organizations throughout her life – from teaching Sunday School to volunteering with Out of the Cold in Toronto. She was a CGIT leader and volunteered in the classroom and as a volunteer coordinator at Finch Avenue Public School. Forest Grove United Church hosted a Meals on Wheels lunch where people who were fed by them were driven to a community lunch at the church. Maureen was there.

Maureen’s family was the heart of her (and Tom’s) life. When Laurie underwent back surgery, and was confined to a body cast, unable to be left alone in bed for 3 months, Maureen happily stayed by her side, taking care of her every need.

She visited and supported those who needed it and provided a place in our home for a family member who was alone and facing a terminal illness.

The highlights of Maureen and Tom’s live were the births of their two children and four grandchildren, in whom they live on. They went to great lengths to ensure the family remained close, even across the large physical distances separating them. Their holidays together were epic.

Those who remain- Brendan McCulligh, Maureen McCulligh (children of Laurie and (the late) Blair McCulligh), and Jessie Smyth and Keady Smyth (children of Dave and Jane Smyth) feel her absence deeply.

Maureen fit in so well and loved her extended Smyth family who have been so much of her life for over 70 years. Tom and his brothers John (Mic), Eldon (Mae), and Tim (Shirley) Smyth had wonderful senses of humour, as did she.

Maureen was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for over 60 years. She made so many friends through them in Leamington, Toronto, and met some lovely people in Campbell River through the organization as well.

Tom died in 2019. That and having been isolated from family during COVID, led Maureen to move to Campbell River from Toronto in 2022 to be closer to Laurie. A very brave move on her part, after living in Toronto for 53 years (and being a city girl at heart).

After her move to Campbell River, Maureen was welcomed by and enjoyed her new Campbell River United Church family, and the wonderful staff and new-found friends at Berwick as well as Laurie’s friends. She enjoyed performances at the Tidemark Theatre and other places in the city.

Maureen is survived by her brother Jim and sister-in-law Shannon Carphin, nephews Shane (Laura) and Ryan (Samy) with whom she celebrated many special birthdays and anniversaries. She is also survived by her many Smyth family relatives – her sister-in-law Shirley Smyth, and many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Maureen’s ashes will be interred in Trochu, Alberta alongside Tom’s at a later date.

Should you wish, a donation in Maureen’s memory to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.