Theadora Marie Smith

Thea led a full and colorful life. She was a friend to many and left an indelible impression on all that she met.

Thea was born on September 17,1933 to Emily Barker Vassil and Basil Vassil in Sydney, Australia. Her cherished brother was Romulus Vassil.

Thea was a spirited traveler, striking out at a young age to see the world.

She traveled to and touched every continent, aside from Antarctica.

Always at the forefront, Thea was one of the first to use an automated computer from IBM while working in Toronto, Canada. She was very proud of this challenge.

Traveling by plane and bound by her spirit of adventure, Thea also traveled by freighter ships. This enabled visiting unique ports of call not typically seen. It was during one of these trips when she met Capt. George E. Smith.

In 1961 she and George wed in Sydney, Australia. They spent a life of over 47 years together, first living in New York City, then traveling to Louisiana and throughout the South.

They finally settled in the country of Panama, living there for over 30 years.

Thea unwaveringly supported George in his duties as a Master Pilot on the Panama Canal and Commander in the U.S. Navy (res).

Their life in Panama was filed with days sailing on Lake Gutaun, English-style horseback riding on her faithful horse Hank, canasta tournaments, playing the piano while George accompanied on violin, enthusiastically watching cricket and tennis, and even surviving the infamous Noriega Uprising during the 1980’s.

Corgis were a source of immense pride, love and devotion for Thea. She was an aficionado of Pembroke Welsh Corgis and was active in the European, Panamanian and United States show circuits. She was a member of the Mayflower Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club.

Besides corgis, Thea’s other love was the British Commonwealth. She possessed an immense wealth of knowledge and history of the Empire. Sometimes this knowledge would lead to much spirited debate…debate, an area where she excelled and one of her favorites.

Later in life she and George retired to spend time between the Florida Panhandle and her beloved Smith Cove cabin in Downeast Maine…. a corgi or two (or three!) always in tow.

In Florida, and throughout her travels, she developed a wide network of friends who enriched and enhanced her and George’s life.

Thea was involved in support of animal and human rights. She and George provided generous support to advance these efforts.

She was a member of The Royal Society of Hibernians, The Daughters of the British Empire, and the Cape Rosier Grange.

A devoted Anglican, Thea was a member of parishes in Florida and Panama. She also attended the Methodist Church in South Brooksville.

Thea’s life spanned both sides of the equator…some sentiment from her Australian family, her beloved niece Louise:

“To say my aunt Thea was a rebel of sorts in her younger years is so true. She left the Antipodes for America and subsequently fell in love with American mariner named George Smith from Maine. Thea made her life in the USA with George and was a regular visitor down under and never once gave up her ‘blue’ passport!

Although distance separated her from our physical lives in Australia, we were always connected because Thea was a wonderful communicator. She would write letters to family and friends all over the world to stay in touch.

Her philanthropy throughout her life extended to her old girl’s school in Sydney in the form of annual donations to support academic pursuits and also to support animal welfare, especially dogs in need.

Thea had an extraordinary connection to the Corgi breed and spent many years with her own, some descendants from HRH Queen Elizabeth the 2nd’s stock. In fact, she even went to Crufts, the epitome of all things dog breeds.

My brother Nick and I will have the memories of our beautiful Aunty Thea forever.

Our father would speak to his little sister almost every fortnight, the wires burning hot between the USA and Australia. They were as close as siblings could be.

The world was certainly a better place with her in it!”

Thea is survived by her loving niece Louise Vassil of Australia, great niece and nephew Ashley and James, adored nephew Nicolas Vassil and his wife Yumiko of Japan and great nieces and nephew Keito, Mia and Jack, her loving sister-in-law Sandra Hale Smith of Westbrook & Smith Cove Maine. Her devoted niece Rebecca Smith Everett & husband, Philip Everett of Portland & Smith Cove, Maine. Her debate-sparring partner, nephew Robert Hale Smith, Esq of Westbrook, Maine.

Thea was predeceased by her husband George E. Smith, her brother Romulus Vassil & wife, Jann and brother-in-law, Robert William Smith Jr. Thea additionally had a sister that passed away as a young child.

We would like to extend our sincere, heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Thea's Avita of Stroudwater family for their amazing care and compassion for her over the past seven years. Thea also received wonderful care at Mercy Hospital and later at Fallbrook Commons in conjunction with Beacon Hospice during her final peaceful days.

A private family internment in Downeast Maine will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (arlgp.org)