Passed peacefully in the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria BC. Predeceased in 1995 by her devoted husband, Thomas (Tommy) Henry Smith. Mum leaves wonderful memories of a long, happy and well lived life for her loving children, Wendy (Steve) Sullivan, Gregory, Karen and Kirk Smith; her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her life was further enriched by many caring nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbours.
Mum was a proud daughter of Saskatchewan. Born in Pelly and raised there and in Wadena, she graduated as a registered nurse from Saskatoon City Hospital in 1941. Following in the footsteps of her four brothers who were all active in military or civilian wartime service, Mum enlisted in the Army and worked as a Nursing Sister in Alberta and BC. In 1945, over a game of table tennis in the Vancouver Officers Mess, Mum met Dad and on Boxing Day 1946, they were married. They settled in Victoria, a city they both truly loved, where Dad joined the Victoria City Police and Mum presided over a very lively household of four children and frequent visitors! Following Dad’s retirement, they enjoyed golfing, many trips abroad and the joys of grandchildren. Mum was always a willing and active volunteer at St. John’s Church, our schools, with her SCH nursing alumni, The Y Auxiliary, Optimist Club and for 25 years with the Red Cross Blood Donor Clinics. In 2012, she was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for her many years of service with the Nursing Sisters Association. She was a warm and gracious lady and her ready smile and optimistic nature will be much missed.
Visitation will be held at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets on Sunday, January 10 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A celebration of life and reception will be held on Monday, January 11 at 10:00 am at St. John the Divine, Quadra and Mason Streets followed by interment at Royal Oak Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received by the Camosun College Foundation to establish the Blanche Smith scholarship fund for deserving nursing students. For further information, please contact Dana Henly at (250) 370-4233.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
-
Julie and Patrick Lawson
-
Trudine and Wil We are so sad to hear about your Mom she was a beautiful and caring lady. She loved her family and loved to see her friends. We will miss our visits with her she was always so glad to see us and to catch up on our lives and share with us what she had been doing.
You are in our prayers and thoughts
Love Trudine and Wil
-
Robert & Ingrid Traub Greg, it has been a privilege to know the caring Son Blanche left behind. It is obvious that your Mother cared for her children in the most loving and nurturing way. We truly are blessed to know the boy that has become the Man we now know.
Our prayers are with you and yours and let them be the support needed to help comfort all of you. Be safe and be strong and let her memory guide you. ( What would Mom Do )
Love,
Bob and Ingrid
-
Nigel & Stevie Caswell, Australia We met Blanche only too briefly but we treasure wonderful memories of a beautiful person.
Nigel and Stevie Caswell, Australia
-
Charles Freeman Blanche was loved by her many English relatives. She and Tommy were frequent and much loved visitors, and Blanche continued her UK trips until very recently. On one famous occasion when she heard of a UK family gathering about 4 days before it was due to happen, she decided to come, rounded up the lovely Candy to accompany her, and flew to Heathrow in time for the party…… at the age of about 89! What a lady!
Back in Canada she gave the warmest of welcomes to any of her UK relatives who were lucky enough to visit her.
Among many other attributes Blanche was the family genealogist. At one time she knew more about the Bridgman UK family tree than the Brits did. She traced the family back to the 1700s, and copies of the family tree which now sit in desk drawers around the world have their origins in the research done by her.
Born a Bridgman, Blanche was the last of her generation. She was much loved by my Granny (her aunt), her cousins in my parents’ generation, by cousins-at-one-remove in my generation and by the youngsters of the next generation who met her.
Buffy and I will miss Blanche deeply.
-
Margaret McIntyre Dear Wendy, Steve,Karen, Greg and Kirk,
Thanks for letting me know this sad news. I have many fond memories of Blanche, as everyone must. She is one of the few who really was as her obit said!
I can see her in that photo. Best to you all from Malacca, Malaysia
Margaret McIntyre
-
Jan McArdle What a tribute to a remarkable life that obituary was. I can see Wendy from whence you got your drive, optimism and community spirit. The world loses something wonderful when someone of Blanche’s ilk pass on to their well deserved reward. But it will leave a very big hole in your life but with the many caring and supportive friends that you have I trust that you will get through the sorrow of losing a dearly loved Mother. And you have been a much loved daughter to Blanche too.
Hold each other tight in these times.
Much love and prayers.
-
Michael Currie Blanche had a long and wonderfully full life and it was my great pleasure to be able to know her. She will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences.
What a beautiful tribute! Wendy, you are your mother’s daughter. I can see you in her photo.
The few times we met Blanche we were struck by her friendliness, warmth and interest in the people around her. She was a special lady who will be missed.
Our deepest condolences.