It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mrs. Hellen Jean Smith, age 99 years, resident of Southbridge Pinewood announce her peaceful passing on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Her loving son Dale was by her side.
Jean was born on March 11, 1925, in Fort William, ON, to parents Mary and Charles Ionson. She was raised in Kenora and was known for both her academic and athletic abilities. As a young girl, Jean participated in many sports in high school and recounted stories of cross country skiing to school in the winter. She was an accomplished golfer, tennis player and track and field athlete, with some of her records still standing.
In 1942, our Father, Jack Smith took a road trip to Kenora, Ontario with some friends. It was there that he met a lovely young lady named Hellen Jean Ionson. Although Dad was only planning to stay for a few days, he was so smitten with Mom that he stayed for 2 weeks! The couple continued to write letters to one another while Dad was serving in the Navy during WWII. On September 4, 1948, Jean and Jack were married and happily celebrated almost 72 years together, until Dad’s passing on August 4, 2020.
Jack and Jean loved to travel the world, and they did. When their sons were young, they camped in tents across Canada and ensured that their boys understood the beauty and vastness of this country. They fished on Lake Igamac and many surrounding lakes. Mom would tell us stories of her superior skills as a fisherman, always hauling in the largest catch.
In later years, Jack and Jean studied French as well as Spanish at the College and then in Mexico. They travelled across the US, Mexico, Hawaii, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and sailed on many cruises in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. They spent their springs in Victoria, BC. They often shared stories with us of their experiences and we marveled at all of the places they had seen and the interesting people they had met along the way.
Mom and Dad were both very active in community interests and were lifelong members of First Wesley United Church, and the Royal Canadian Legion, Slovak Branch. Mom was an avid bowler and curler, despite having been diagnosed with polio in the 1950’s.
As Dad was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Mom belonged to the Eastern Star and served as President of the Shriner’s Hospitals Crippled Children. Up until November, 2019, both Mom and Dad actively participated in the Remembrance Day Service marching at Fort William Gardens and took part in the Colour Guard Service at their home at Isabella Place.
As the years passed by, Jack and Jean moved from their long-time home on Franklin Street and settled into their new residence at Isabella Place. It was there that they were reconnected with many former neighbors and participated in daily social activities. Mom enjoyed exercise classes, crafts and her regular ritual of walking up and down the fire exits to keep fit.
For over 30 years, they continued to join in the fun of a monthly dinner club with old friends. They both loved family gatherings and dinners and outings to camp. In particular, they enjoyed the great family feasts that Dale and Petra would prepare, whether at Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays or other holidays. As Dad's health began to decline, we would gather instead at Isabella Place. At one of our last Christmas dinners, we brought homemade turkey, Petra's perogies and cabbage rolls and all of the trimmings to Isabella Place for 16 family members and friends. Mom and Dad wore the biggest smiles to be sitting at the head of the table surrounded by those who loved them.
Jean is survived by her sons Dale (Petra), Allen (Roxanne); her grandchildren Trisha, Lindsay, Jennifer and great grandchildren Lauryn, Meagan, Austin, Natalie, Jayce and Cody, along with other relatives. She is also survived by many friends at First Wesley United Church and Isabella Place. Jean is predeceased by her beloved husband Jack and her parents.
Words cannot convey our thanks to those who have helped Mom to remain comfortable these past few years - you all provided Mom with quality care, genuine kindness and true compassion - to the staff at Isabella Place who always made an extraordinary effort to ensure that Mom was well cared for, to the staff at Pinewood - Hummingbird, who took such loving care of Mom these past few years. Our thanks also to Andrea and the staff at Superior Elder Care, and Steve Wrigley at Steve’s Foot Care, for your compassion and attention to all of Mom’s needs. You all helped Mom to feel safe, well-cared for and truly loved.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life for both Mom and Dad will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11:00 am at First Wesley United Church,130 Brodie Street (parking available at the rear of the church), with Reverend Lionel Kentola officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in Mountain View Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Mom’s memory to "Our Hearts At Home" Cardiovascular Surgery Campaign at the TBRHSC. Mom and Dad were always willing to lend others a hand, so please carry out a random act of kindness in their memory on September 4th, which would have been their 76th anniversary.
In spirit, heart and memory, LOVE lives forever.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
