Tanya Anin Smith

Tanya Smith (von Molendorff) was a dearly loved wife, mother, Mimi, sister, cousin, and friend to many. Those who knew her well treasured her unwavering faith, her practical wisdom, spunky spirit, her enjoyment of the simple things of life. Those who met her even briefly were impacted by her kind spirit, thoughtful conversations, and the light she brought to the moment. She was a true gem.

Tanya was born June 3, 1964, in Cape Town, South Africa as the third child to Hertzog Josua (Mollie) Von Molendorff and Catharina Bester (Dolly). Although Catharina died when Tanya was one year old, Mollie remarried Elizabeth Johanna (Elna) and had a set of twins. Although a humble family, Tanya was close with her siblings and enjoyed playing barefoot in the African sun with a stunning view of Table Mountain in the background of their home that Mollie built. Her father taught her to enjoy the simple things of life - biking up and down Claudina Crescent where they lived, enjoying figs from the tree in the backyard, cooking up freshly caught snoek, swimming in the ocean waves, watermelon on the grass.

As a child Tanya was a typical middle child - she helped with her younger siblings, had chores around the house, did well in school and became a prefect to whom other students reported. After her school years, Tanya moved to a neighbouring community Stellenbosch and began working at the local newspaper, Eikestadnuus, in the advertising department. She often recounted stories about how much she enjoyed the job, the people, and the vibe of the university town.

Growing up in the Dutch-Reformed church gave Tanya an understanding of God and a simple faith as a child, but she really came to know Christ later in her early twenties when she was saved. Not long after this, a cousin set Tanya up with Quentin at a braai (South African BBQ) – the two hit it off and married 17 months later on 2nd July 1988.

Quentin and Tanya planned to come to Canada for a year as an adventure, but instead welcomed Josie in January, 1991. A surprise pregnancy had delayed their trip to Canada by a year, but they finally arrived with a three-month-old baby in March, 1991. Initially enamored with the Manitoba snow, they become involved in the rural community they lived in. One year turned into two, then three; before long Lorenzo was born in April, 1994. In 1997 the family of four moved from Manitoba to BC: the snow and winters had become less fun as time went on for the girl from Cape Town!

They settled into life in Chilliwack, BC. Always invested in those around them, they were involved in various churches, schools, clinics, and sports. This was one of Tanya’s greatest gifts: connecting with those around her. She brought genuine interest and focus to every person with whom she talked. Her children were the greatest recipients of that, and have been impacted by her constant presence in their lives.

Tanya put her family first in her earthly work: her husband, children, and eventually grandchildren were her main ministry from the Lord, whom she faithfully served daily and loved self-sacrificially.

Tanya passed away June 24, 2025 after an almost five-month journey with brain cancer. Despite such a dire prognosis, when she received the news Tanya encouraged others to “trust the Lord”, and know that this life is not all there is. In true fashion, she declined treatment of the tumor, since she accepted God’s hand, and “if He healed her, everyone would know that it was Him.” This embodied her simple faith , and conviction that God had numbered her days. Her steadfastness and fearlessness in the face of death is a testament to who she was her entire life. Although gone too soon for us left behind, she has entered her rest with her Saviour, whom she loved more than life. We cannot wait to join her there in His presence!

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside  quiet waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He guides me in the  paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

6  Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will  dwell in the house of the LORD forever.