Obituary of Joan Smith
SMITH, Joan peacefully, with family by her side on Friday, February 3, 2023. Joan Smith formerly of Hepworth in her 86th year, now free from suffering and in her eternal home, with her Lord and Saviour. Beloved wife of the late Robin Anthony Kitching (2005) and John Beverley Smith (2015). Cherished mother of Valerie Rausch (Tom) of Morrison, Colorado, Stephen Kitching (Helene) of South Bruce Peninsula, Patty McNamara (Sean) of Simcoe, Chris Kitching (Cathy) of St. Albert, Alberta, Mark Kitching (April) of Tomball, Texas, Doug Kitching of Vernon, BC and Pam Davey (Phil) of Kitchener. Special mom of Paula Classey (John) of South Bruce Peninsula, Gordon Smith of Mar, Curtiss Smith (Shirley) of Owen Sound and Karen Smith of Mar. Much loved grandmother of, Jolene (Mark), Joshua (Hannah), Angelica (Tommy), Luke (Zoe), Kyra (Alan), Ryan (Liz), Katie, Connor, Carson, Jacob, Jordan (Bailey), Sophie, Keagen, Shae-Lynn, Kailee, Caleb and Christopher (Karolina) and great grandmother of Lyla, Sawyer, Jordy, Claire, Eli, Adele, Peter, Evalynn, Emilia, and Alayna. Dear Aunt to several nieces and nephews. Precious sister of Sherilyn (Dennis) Redekopp and sister-in-law of Laurence (Juta) Kitching. Predeceased by parents Vincent and Gladys (nee Hicks) Durnin, and sister Sheila.
A woman of strong faith, Joan could always be found serving her Lord and Saviour in her local church, teaching Sunday School, attending Bible studies, shuttling parishioners, serving on various committees, just lending a hand wherever and whenever it was needed .... and always with that special twinkle in her eye! She loved to read and could always be found with a book in one hand and a tea cup or coffee cup in the other! She was even known to have written a poem or two! Joan loved to create and there is probably no craft she has not tried! Her love of the outdoors and her Creator was central to who she was. From loving the sound of the ocean surf or a lonely lake loon call, to watching the sunset or gazing up at the magnificent northern lights, enjoying a canoe ride with loved ones or in her sporty little red convertible, to working in both her flower and vegetable gardens, Joan enjoyed being outside. She brought the beauty of the outdoors - inside to her home and always carried it inside her heart. She constantly marveled at her God and each and every wondrous work He wrought!
The funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hepworth Baptist Church. Interment Zion Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the DOWNS AND SON FUNERAL HOME, Hepworth. Expressions of remembrance to Hepworth Baptist Church or your local library branch would be appreciated. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family through www.downsandsonfuneralhome.com