Sylvia Sophie Smith

It is with sadness that the family announces the death of Brigadier Mrs. Sophie (Sylvia) Smith on May 8, 2015, at age 96. She was a loyal wife, mother, daughter and sister, and was devoted to the work of the Salvation Army throughout her life.

Loving wife of the late Thomas Smith. Mother of the late Earl Thomas (Janis Nutty), Jean Melody (Paul Davies) of Oakville, and Caroll Joy (Brian Watson) of Kitchener

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Sophie was born on the family farm near Sturgis, Saskatchewan on April 1, 1919, eldest daughter of John and Mary Okrainetz. As a teenager, she attended the Salvation Army Sunday School with her cousins in Yorkton Saskatchewan, discovering there her vocation for ministry. Her path of service soon led to meeting and marrying Tom, and for sixty-seven years they worked together as partners, touching the lives of many in communities both out west and in Ontario.

Sophie loved little children and animals, had a fine singing voice, and was both skillful and creative in sewing, knitting, needlework, and quilting. She will be remembered and missed as a woman of strong character and a great appreciator of friends and fellowship.

Sophie’s family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday May 12, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. W., Kitchener. The funeral home is accessible from King St., coming north from Victoria St. Please call 519-745-9495 if you require assistance with directions. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday May 13, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Salvation Army Kitchener Community Church, 75 Tillsley Dr., Kitchener immediately followed by a reception in the church hall.

Interment Williamsburg Cemetery, Kitchener.

The family thanks members of the Kitchener Salvation Army Community Church for their loving ministry over the years and also the kind and caring staff of Sunnyside Home since 2012.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Salvation Army Kitchener Community Church or Sunnyside Home Foundation would be appreciated and may be arranged through the funeral home.