We are sad to announce the sudden passing of Sarah Grace Smith on Thursday, November 18, 2021. Sarah was born on July 23, 1965 in Andover, Hampshire UK. She attended the Winton School and completed her education at Sixth Form College. After a short career in Hotel Housekeeping Management Sarah moved to Canada in 1992, following in her Dad’s footsteps, as he was born in Red Deer, Alberta, a descendant of the Gaetz family. She came to really love this part of Canada that she called home – she embraced Canada and Canada embraced her back!
Sarah started her career with the BC Government in 1993 and during the course of her time there she took many additional educational courses. It was due to her perseverance and amazing worth ethic that she rose through the ranks before ending her career as a Director in the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
Sarah was a very sociable, fun-loving and caring person who was beautiful both inside and out. One of her great pleasures was sitting by the ocean, but her greatest pleasure was the true love she shared with friends and family alike. Sarah was a great friend to many people. She was kind, thoughtful and just one of those people who was so good at keeping in touch and remembering all the special events in other people’s lives. If it was your birthday, anniversary or other reason for celebration Sarah remembered and would be there for you.
She is survived by her two brothers, Simon (Evelyn) and Richard (Linda), nephews Lewis (Emma), Robin (Emma) and Ben (Rebecca) and nieces Claire (Craig) and Hannah (John) and several great-nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive on Thursday, December 9, 2021. A reception will follow. For further details surrounding attendance (in-person or virtually via Zoom), please email SarahGSmithService@gmail.com by Sunday, December 5, 2021. We request that all attendees be double vaccinated.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the BC Cancer Foundation, a charity that was close to Sarah’s heart, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
17 Responses
Sarah was one of my oldest and dearest friends, we met at Lainston House in Winchester where she was my supervisor in housekeeping, from the first day we met we had an amazing bond. Sarah was in her late teen’s but her very mature head and amazing work ethic was clear even then.
After moving back to NZ Sarah came to visit twice and l visited her in Canada, our friendship never wavered eventhough we lived thousands of miles apart.
I always knew that she would listen when times were tough, we laughed together, cried together and our trust was immense.
Now there is a huge hole in my life, you were so loved Sar, l miss you everyday.
My heart goes out to Sarah’s family and friends who were so precious to her.
Lyn Payne
Sarah was a wonderful person with a beautiful soul. I have the fondest memories of Sarah having worked with her very early in my career. She took the time to really get to know me as a person and was always so caring and thoughtful. I’m very saddened by her passing yet thankful for the beautiful memories of Sarah that I will continue to cherish.
Thank you all for your heart felt comments and memories of my Sister. You all have provided some comfort and warmth for us during this very sad time.
This is a hard loss to navigate through. Sarah was a boss who took care of her team and I’m proud to have worked with her. Our team worked hard and had fun as well. Whether we were collaborating on our branch plan and having a potluck for lunch or going to 4cats evening event to attempt our hands at mug making. Good memories that included all the things Sarah was. I will always remember her smile, thoughtfulness, kindness, and many other great qualities. My thoughts are with her family as the work through this difficult time. May good memories of Sarah help soften the sadness.
I am still processing this loss. Though I had lost touch with Sarah and would enquire of her health from colleagues; she has always been one of my favourite people. Her infectious smile and laughter would ring throughout our office and all would want to join in.
Her family should know, she was loved and will be missed by many of her colleagues. She was more than a colleague, we all considered her a friend. Sarah, your beautiful face will remain in my heart forever.
What sad news this was. Sarah and I worked together for two years when she was my director in the government’s Social Sector. Meeting with her the first time, it felt like it took about two minutes to become friends. She was always so very warm and kind. Her compassion was genuine and heartfelt. She cared about her team and wanted to do the best for us. Foe someone who was never a mother, she was one of the most maternal people I knew. And these qualities did not get in the way of her being a professional in the workplace; they added to her authenticity and encouraged camaraderie amongst the team members. She will be missed as a colleague and a friend.
I am so saddened. Sarah brought such joy to me when I worked with her. Her passing is a great loss. She was a proud Aunt and great Auntie, and I would just like you to know she shared glowing and proud stories. Sarah told the best stories which was such a great way of dealing with stressful situations. She was dedicated fully to everything she did and invested so much in those around her. She took joy in celebrating and acknowledging others. I am fortunate for what I learned from Sarah. I am so blessed for having shared time with her and will forever remember and share those memories and laughs we had together. My condolences to all.