Gloria Mae Smith

She met her future husband, Donald Smith, while he was serving in the Navy and visiting the port of Liverpool, NS. Their 60 years together took them on many adventures across Canada - including Nova Scotia, P.E.I., New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Ontario. They created a life and family together and this was Gloria’s pride and joy. Gloria and Don retired to Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia in 2009.

Gloria was not one to complain, her life was not easy but it was certainly full. Family was very important to her and she showed her love with her quick wit and amazing home cooking.

Gloria was born in Milton, Nova Scotia and was the daughter of the late Arthur and Muriel (Berriman) Cunnigham. Survived by her husband of 60 years, Donald; children Kathleen, Donald (Anita) , Gordon (Janel), Bonnie (Reid) and David (Galina); sister Ellen Brewster; brother Maurice Cunningham (Glenda).

Gloria is the matriarch of quite a robust family, including 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by sisters Katherine McNutt, Irene Saunders, Edith Lloyd and brother Eugene Cunningham.

Upon her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Gloria’s wishes instead are for family, friends and loved ones to gather in the kitchen (of course ) and share stories with her – remember her as she was.

Upon her passing, a poem was discovered amongst her personal belongings indicating to us (her husband and children) that this is how she wanted to be remembered:

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there, I do not sleep

I am a 1,000 winds that blow

I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sun on ripened grain

I am the gentle autumn rain

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled light

I am the soft star that shines at night

Do not stand at my grave and cry

I am not there; I did not die.

~ author unknown