Eleanor Smith

The Smith family announces the peaceful passing of their beloved mother and grandmother Eleanor (Ellie) Smith on September 8th at the age of 87 years at St. Joseph’s Palliative Care Unit.

Left to mourn are her children Ross (Anita) and Dawn (Ron) Collins of Kelowna BC., grandchildren Brett and Farren Smith, step grandchildren Tristan, Jayme and Hanne Collins, life long friend Bev Kyle, and special friend Jack Moore. Her husband Donald Smith predeceased her in 2007, and her sister Loretta in 2012. 

Ellie was born in Fort Frances on January 14, 1931, and moved to Thunder Bay after high school to start nursing school at the Port Arthur General Hospital. As a dedicated nurse she worked in numerous departments. During her working years, Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling to many places. Upon retirement her & Dad enjoyed wintering in Florida for many years and later Barbados. Mom & Dad travelled often to Kelowna to visit their cherished daughter Dawn and son-in-law Ron. After Dad passed, the entire family was fortunate to travel to Barbados numerous times with mom, which we all enjoyed immensely. Mom loved to garden, knit, sew and do cross-stitch. We have many beautiful heirloom pictures. She was a wonderful cook and many Sunday suppers were enjoyed together with family. We will truly miss her care and concern, her love and support and her witty sense of humor.

Our family would like to thank the caring nursing staff, hospice volunteers and doctors on the 4th floor of St. Joseph’s Hospital. A special thank-you to a dear family friend Connie Raven who spent many tireless hours sitting with mom and Ellie’s dedicated friend Jack who came for a daily visit. Your kindness & love shown to our mother/grandmother will not be forgotten.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial reception will take place on Thursday, September 13th in the Sargent and Son Reception Centre, 21 N. Court Street from 12:00- 2:00 p.m. with a service of remembrance at 12:30 p.m.

Donations may be made to Northern Cancer Fund through the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, or to St. Joseph’s Care Group – Hospice/Palliative Care Unit. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.