The siblings of Sylvia Jean (Jeannie) Smith regret to announce the passing of our sister at Harbourstone Enhanced Care facility in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Jean is predeceased by her parents Arthur and Gladys Smith of Glace Bay. She is survived by sisters Sheila (David) Latham of Toronto, Mora (Jerry Murphy) Smith of Glace Bay, and brother Angus Smith of Glace Bay. Also left to mourn Jean’s passing are nieces and nephews Sarah (Ryan) Boutilier, Kendall (Jessica) Murphy, Ellen (Chad Gillard) Murphy, Taylor (Rachel) Smith, and Emily (Alex Baranowski) Smith; as well as eight grand-nephews and four grand-nieces.
After graduating from Morrison Glace Bay High School in 1969, Jean earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Acadia University in 1972. She then worked briefly with the Bank of Nova Scotia before graduating in 1977 from the nursing program at St. Rita’s Hospital in Sydney. Her nursing career began at the Cape Breton Hospital, with a focus on mental health. She assumed managerial positions, serving as Nursing Supervisor at St. Rita’s Hospital, and later as Nurse Manager (Unit 4C) at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, retiring in 2010 as Resident Care Manager of Taigh Na Mara in Glace Bay.
With her kind nature, compassion, and generosity, Jean was well-suited to serve as a member of the caring profession. Her sense of humor, wit, and easy smile always helped to lift the mood of her colleagues, providing a balance between the serious nature of caring for the sick and vulnerable and the light and happy moments life has to offer.
Jeannie was an avid reader and a connoisseur of opera and classical music. She was lovingly involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews as they were growing up, at her home in Glace Bay and at the family cottage in Mira Gut. She adored her pets, especially her devoted Doberman Pinchers that provided her with constant companionship; she was often seen walking through town or around Renwick Brook with one of her four-legged friends by her side.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Patten’s Funeral Home. At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation. A private family service will be held at a later date with inurnment at Mira Bay Baptist Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com.
The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Ron MacCormack and to Dr. David Ley, and to the staff of Steelworker’s Lane at Harbourstone Enhanced Care facility for the kindness, sensitivity, and compassion shown to our sister in her final time of need.
Donations in memory of Jeannie can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, to the Cancer Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, or to a charity of one’s choice.
