Obituary of Sheila Smith

SMITH, Sheila Katherine (nee Hughes)Cherished wife of John Edward Smith for a wonderful 33 years; after a short courageous fight with cancer, passed peacefully in the presence of family at Hospice Niagara on Saturday August 6th, 2011. Survived by husband John, seven sisters; Moira O'Pallie (Ed), Loretta McKay (the late Bob), Colleen McLaren(Jim), Iris Hughes, Kathleen Turkington (the late Stu), Noreen Rodgers (Mike), Judy Schults (Bernard) and brother Shawn Hughes. Predeceased by her mom and dad, James and Bridie Hughes, brothers Larry and Jimmy. Sheila will be fondly remembered by her 4 brothers-in-law and 5 sisters-in-law, as well as her nieces, nephews and many friends. Sheila was a teacher, having taught in Sault St. Marie, Fort Erie, Kitchener, and her home town of Kirkland Lake, volunteering with C.U.S.O. for two years in Jamaica, and with the Toronto School Board before moving to St. Catharines to marry John and teach for the Lincoln Country School Board for 14 years, retiring in 1992. Sheila also assisted John, teaching Ballroom dancing at the St. Catharines Folk Arts for almost 20 years. She and her husband also performed with Geritol Follies at Hamilton Place. Sheila was a volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Denis Catholic Church and with Hotel Dieu Hospital Gift Shop until its closing, then moving to Hotel Dieu Shaver Gift Shop. She was a devout parishioner of St. Catherine of Alexandria Roman Catholic Church where she was a lector, Eucharistic Minister and teller. Special thanks to all of the caregivers, especially Hazel who was there every night and at our beckon call, CCAC, Hospice Niagara and Welland General Hospital, and to Dr. Hunt and Dr. Gruber. Family and friends will be received at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street on Wednesday August 10 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria on Thursday August 11 at 11 a.m. with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Hospice Niagara, the Walker Family Cancer Centre, Lincoln Country Humane Society or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by her family.