Smith, Edith Irene
It is with deep sadness that the family of Edith Irene Smith (nee Baldock), announce her passing in Ladysmith BC on March 19, 2016 at the age of 92 years. Edie was predeceased in 2009 by her beloved husband David, after 60 years of marriage to her wartime sweetheart. Edie is survived by her four children George (Simone), Bunny (Sam), Jenny (Mark), and Ettie, and her sister Emily Blatchford of Ladysmith. Predeceased by her sisters Bea Knott of Lake Cowichan, and Dorothy Banner of Sooke.
Edie was the proud and loving grandmother to seven grandchildren: Charlotte, Danielle, Christine, David, Bradley, Nathan and Ben, as well as her seven great-grandchildren: Makena, Tanner, Hudson, Keaton, Gavin, Petra and Everleigh. Edie nurtured and supported her grandchildren and touched each of their lives in many ways.
Edie’s life was defined by hard work. She grew up in Bamberton BC and later travelled by bus to attend Victoria High School. She went on to obtain her teaching certificate from Victoria Normal School in 1944. A dedicated BC Teacher, Edie began her teaching career at the age 19, in a one-room schoolhouse in Shirley BC; she went on to teach passionately in the Sooke and Gulf Islands School Districts for many years. Edie made a difference in the lives of many children and was particularly supportive of those who struggled. Edie retired from teaching in 1984 after several years of teaching on Saltspring Island. A dedicated educator, she continued to support teachers during her retirement, providing scholarship funds for future teachers and walking the picket line during labour disputes while in her 80’s.
Edie found great joy in life’s simple pleasures; she loved her family, her dogs, her birdfeeders, and her flowers. Edie was an avid gardener who could grow anything. Wherever she lived she created a lush oasis, and was especially fond of her greenhouse, fishponds, houseplants and orchids. She was a health food advocate and prepared her own home-grown herbal remedies, long before it was fashionable to do so. Edie loved to bake and knit; for a ten-year period, she weekly delivered freshly baked cookies for children at Journey Middle School in Sooke.
There will be no service at Edie’s request. Arrangements by Telford’s Burial & Cremation Centre in Ladysmith. A gathering of Edie’s loved ones will occur at a later date.
Edie’s family extends heartfelt thanks for the compassionate care to Robb and staff of Seahaven at the Lodge on 4th in Ladysmith BC.
Condolences may be offered at telfordn@shaw.ca