M. Irene Smith (Ketchabaw)
SMITH, Marjorie “Irene” (December 11, 1940 – June 2, 2023)
It is with sorrow and acceptance that the family of Marjorie Irene Smith (nee Ketchabaw) announce her sudden passing on June 2nd, 2023, at her residence in Pleasant Manor Radiant Care, Virgil, Ontario.
Irene was a resident of St. Catharines, formerly of Walsingham, Tillsonburg and Eden, Ontario.
Irene had many pass-times that included gardening, sewing, making stuffed rag dolls and animals for the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family was everything to her. She was a successful manager of The Red Grill in Tillsonburg and later went on to open Mrs. Smith’s Lunch in Woodstock, Ontario. She enjoyed years of work at Fernlea Flowers (Delhi), as well as a much- loved member of HAPPY daycare in Straffordville, Ontario, that lovingly became known as Gramma’s Daycare by the children who attended. Irene was always busy, full of energy and offered a helping hand to anyone and everyone who asked. She always had time for a chat, the coffee pot was always at the ready and she could produce an amazing meal like magic when unexpected company arrived. The kitchen was always a comfort zone for family and friends.
Irene is predeceased by the love of her life, Ivan Ray Smith (November 1, 2022) after 63 wonderful years of marriage. Irene and Ivan built a beautiful family together with four children, Kelly Carswell (predeceased January 4, 2023), James (Lori) Smith, Katherine Walker (Joe), Murray (Tracey) Smith. Very proud Grandmother to 13 grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren. Irene is survived by her sister Juanita McQuiggan, brother Skip (Hugh) and his wife Beatrice, and Sister-in-law Margaret Ketchabaw (Emerson) Predeceased by her parents Hugh and Nellie (Nee Chute) Ketchabaw and brother Gene Ketchabaw. Irene will be greatly missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and community members.
In keeping with her and Ivan’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life for both Ivan and Irene will be announced at a later date. Internment in Glen Meyer Baptist Cemetery will be held after the celebration.
The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to the management, nursing staff and amazing PSW’s, at Pleasant Manor for their loving and consistent care since November 1, 2022, until her passing. The loss of Irene ‘s bright, beautiful smile will leave this world a duller place, but the family is grateful that she smiled right up until the moment that she stepped back into Ivan’s arms. Everyone who knew Irene are invited to share favourite memories, letters of sympathy, photos or contribute memorial donations to the “Alzheimer Society” or the “Heart and Stroke Foundation” or to any charity of your choice via Irene’s online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes – Burial and Cremation Services Inc., 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg (519) 842-4238.