Peacefully, our sweet, strong, and beautiful little girl, surrounded by her brother Alden, and Dada, passed away in her Mama’s arms at the BC Children’s Hospital. On November 29, 2012, Aaron and Liberty received their greatest gift of all; being parents to the most special little girl. She brought a sense of purpose to our lives which made every minute of every day better. From an early age, Adaea was drawn to the water, beginning with her baths at home and as she grew older, swims at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre. If there was water around, she would swim in it. Her favourite places to swim included the Marina Beach in Oak Bay (yes, cold salt water), Lake Joseph in Muskoka, where Liberty has a family cottage and Weston Lake, on Salt Spring Island. During her time at BC Children’s, it was swimming she missed most. Born into a family of dancers (thank you Gran Gran), Adaea loved to dress up and dance to any music playing. She participated in many dance classes but freestyle dancing at home with her brother was her favourite.
Enjoying neighbourhood parks and play spaces with Alden was a daily routine of hers (after a daily morning olive bun visit from Tom of course). Adaea very determinedly mastered the monkey bars at a young age. Adaea started Kindergarten at St. Patrick’s School in September 2017 and enjoyed every minute of her time there. Her school career was cut short when on December 19, 2017, Adaea was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Adaea spent the majority of the following year as an inpatient receiving 7 rounds of chemotherapy. Following her first four rounds, Adaea was declared in remission and we were able to come home for almost three months.
We had a wonderful summer, embracing every moment, with a highlight trip to Camp Goodtimes, where Adaea and Alden swam and experienced new opportunities with other families going through similar journeys. In August 2018, Adaea relapsed with AML and we spent the remaining months at Children’s Hospital. On November 29, 2018, her birthday, she received a Bone Marrow Transplant. Although she never swam again, her time in hospital was happy. She handled all the medication with such strength and bravery and never let it get her down. She never complained and touched the hearts of so many nurses, doctors, child life specialists, and volunteers. She was sassy and sweet and woke up each day wanting to play. The 8th floor became our home and we all developed friendships with the incredible team of support.
We are forever grateful to everyone at Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald for making our time in Vancouver as good as it possibly could be, given the circumstances. We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to our amazing community of Oak Bay and Victoria for the endless support of our family.
Adaea is survived by her brother, Alden, Mama, Liberty, and Dada, Aaron. Her Uncle Barney, Aunt Buffy, and cousins, Tavin, Tate, and Kyla. Her Uncle Rainbow, Aunt Sarah, and cousins, Zayden, Auley Mae, and Laurelle. Her Uncle Oliver, Uncle Drew, Uncle Corey, and Auntie Jett. Her Auntie Leah, Uncle Paul, and cousins, Colton and Blake. Her grandparents Tom and Jojo, Steve and Julie and her great-grandmother Joan Randall, Adaea’s middle namesake.
Adaea was strong and graceful in life and in her battle with AML but the disease was bigger than her. She will always be in our hearts and we will miss her every day.
A Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 1:30 pm.
Tributes, if desired can be made in Adaea’s name to the charity Balding for Dollars or Ronald McDonald House Charity, two charities that provided opportunities and a home away from home for Adaea and her family.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
27 Responses
Dear Liberty and family,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you on the loss of your beautiful daughter.
So heartbreaking words cannot express.
Thinking of you and all.
Warmest wishes
Michelle Du Preez and family
To the Smart family,
Words don’t express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I was so blessed to have been Adaea’s Kindergarten teacher and to have developed a close bond with your family. She was a ray of sunshine, loved by all and spread happiness every day at school. Adaea was so proud of her brother and so deeply loved her parents. Her face lit up when Jojo or her Mama joined us in the classroom. I will forever cherish the canvas I have with her print on it that was done at BCCH – she has forever left a print on my heart. Pink has a new meaning: a reminder of Adaea’s loving, sweet spirit and her amazing courage and strength.
Sending my most sincerest condolences and love to all the Smart family.
Dear Liberty, Aaron, Alden, & Family,
She touched so many lives & enriched us all. Now she’s dancing and looking down from heaven. Hold onto the memories of the wonderful times you shared with your precious angel. Adaea will always be with you sending you strength, hugs, love and butterfly kisses.
Thinking of you all and holding you up in prayer.
Love,
Janet
Dear Liberty and all. What a sad journey you have been on this past year and what a beautiful tribute to Adaea in today’s paper. My deepest condolences on this unimaginable loss. Jean Ives
Words fail to express the deep sorrow and loss we feel at St. Patrick’s School. Although Adaea only attended St. Patrick’s for 4 short months, she made her mark on the school community as a sweet, beautiful, fun-loving child. May you find comfort in knowing that we will be celebrating and honouring Adaea with a prayer service and special planting in our outdoor classroom, Seventh Heaven.
On behalf of the school community, please accept my deepest condolences on your tragic loss.
May the Lord enfold you in his mercy,
Deanne Paulson
To the Smart Family … sincere sympathy on the loss of your beautiful, brave, loving daughter. Her little life was poignant and so meaningful. In her short time she touched many lives in many ways. Our school will keep her close in our hearts. Much love to all of you at this very challenging time.
Heartfelt condolences to you all. Adaea was a beautiful child who was dearly loved. May you know deep comfort and peace and courage as you mourn her loss.
Adaea changed my life from the moment I met her. Every week I looked forward to visiting her, hearing her laugh and playing with her. I felt a great bond with her, as well as her family for being so welcoming of me. The Smart family has a special place in my heart. Adaea has taught me what type of person I want to be, and inspires me to be the best I can be in my future career working in healthcare. The beautiful christmas picture she gave me is on my wall, surrounded by butterflies and flowers. I think of her everyday, and I will continue to remember her and honour her memory for the rest of my life. Because of Adaea, I signed up to be a bone marrow donor. Because of Adaea, so many lives have been touched and changed forever.
My heart breaks for her and your family, and I send my most loving thoughts to you at this time. Thank you for being the most amazing parents to a real life angel, she will never be forgotten and forever live in our hearts.
Thinking of you guys every second through this tragic time.
Mom will take good care of your baby
Love,
The Frasers
May the love we are sending you all provide you with strength and support that will help carry you through this challenging time.
Glynis, Elissa and Matthew Brown