SMITH, Mary Josephine passed away peacefully on June 26th, 2024, in Vancouver, BC at the age of 89. She will be sadly missed by her younger sister Winifred Lethbridge, niece Suzanne Jarcew, nephew Bruce Lethbridge, and very special family friends Tom O’Connell and Samantha O’Connell. Josie is predeceased by her elder sister Mary Theresa (Tessa) Blackwell and nephew Robin Blackwell of Blackpool, England, and her long-time very special companion and friend Jim O’Connell of Vancouver (Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, Ireland).
Born in Blackpool, England in 1935 to Cyril Smith and Norah Ann Griffiths (Cassidy), Josie moved to Canada in the early 1960s to join her younger sister Winifred in Toronto whom she always had a very close relationship with. She later moved to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to join her mother Norah and sister Tessa who had emigrated there from England. She eventually made her way back to Toronto, and likely through a love of nature and skiing, eventually settled in British Columbia, where she lived for the rest of her life.
Anyone who knew Josie would remember how incredibly talented she was with her hands, having a passion for sewing, crocheting, knitting, baking and cooking. Her family and friends remember her rich and delicious Christmas cakes and Irish soda bread that were simply the best. She was also extremely generous and humble, and charitable with her time, and would always think of others before herself.
Very special thanks to the wonderful staff who cared for Josie at the Windermere Care Centre.
Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday July 18th at 11:00 am at St. Jude’s Parish Church, 3078 Renfrew Street, Vancouver. Interment to follow at Ocean View Cemetery, Burnaby at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude’s Parish.