Julie, Scott, and Family;

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you all during this emotionally trying time. Loss is always a difficult thing to cope with whether it was expected or not. By remembering all the good times and keeping her memory fresh in your hearts, will keep her close to you and give you comfort in times of crisis or loneliness. I will keep you all in my mind and heart.  Take care...

Wade, Dave, Anne 

Laura and I are thinking of you all. We are very sorry for your loss. 

A EULOGY WITH LOVE: VIVIAN SMITH
written and delivered by Bill Nicholson - Grandson

It was just this past Friday, in Tampa Florida, I went to the grocery store. Out front of the entry way stood the red Salvation Army collection pot. I heard the sound of the bells calling me over. It was the first time this season.

I have never been able to pass the bell-ringer without making a donation. To me, they all have the face of Grandma.

It would only be 5 minutes later when I would speak to my mom. I then heard the sound calling me home to her side.

And now we are all home together. To grieve, remember and celebrate the life of Vivian Smith - wife of 33 years to Smitty, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend - together.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the last time this many of the family could be together was almost 21 years ago for Grandma’s 75th birthday. Her gift request was that we all gather with her on Sunday morning at the Salvation Army. And we gave her her gift.

Scott, being the youngest, with the innocence and honesty of a child, took it upon himself to declare aloud, “Mommy, I don’t like this show.”

Julie and my mom unsuccessfully fought back the giggles. I am sure others of us silently agreed with the kid. But none of that mattered.

Grandma loved that show. She was a woman of unquestionable faith. Her relationship with God was very real and we all have benefitted from her devotions and prayers.

Over the years, as a youth and adult, I would call Grandma on the phone. “Hi Grandma, it’s Bill.”

“Hello dear,” was always her reply. I am sure that you have all been on the receiving end of that salutation. I was there when she answered the phone calls of others and heard the “Hello dear” offered to many. This is not a casual way for Grandma to start a conversation. It is a simple and powerful reminder that everyone here is dear to her.

On her behalf today I individually welcome and thank you all for coming, with her words, “Hello dear.”

Grandma adored all the people in her life and no more than her children. On the same visits to her apartment on Waterloo Avenue, she would show me.

It did not matter if I had visited three times in a single week, each time she would stand by the framed portraits of her little ones… Dave, Brian, Norm, Vivian and Julie.

Often she would tell a story as she went down the line. Bragging and laughing, joy on her face with each memory she shared, as if it were yesterday.

Admittedly, sometimes she would tell the same stories, over and over. But sometimes it was just a roll call of love. A story was not necessary. When she spoke their names you heard what they meant to her.

Grandma did not have to say a lot in order to have a great impact. I can imagine this true when acting as a disciplinarian. Perhaps there were no words at all and just a point of the finger with “the look”. And from what I hear, the five children she adored more than anything in the world, would in fact deserve a scolding from time to time. 

As a child or grandchild she would earn your respect. Grandma’s wisdom however could only be appreciated as we grew older too. She was so strong and so wise. And I mean more than just during a game of Boggle. (She dominated.)

Many of my calls that started “Hello dear”, as I am sure yours, were dialed because we were facing one of our own great life challenges, hardships or personal trials. You could always turn to her at those moments. She had the answers - even if that meant only silence while she listened. Her love was unconditional.  Her faith was unshakeable as if God himself stood by her side in plain sight... 

I think He did.

All this serious talk does not fully describe Grandma. We need some humour and lightheartedness too. She made us laugh and smile, sometimes being purposely funny and many times just by being herself.

Have you heard of a place called Tuk-toy-ak-tuk?  I have. For 3 hours I heard about Tuk-toy-ak-tuk. For 3 hours and 100 pictures later and that was 18 years ago. Now I have never been to Tuk-toy-ak-tuk, I will never go to Tuk-toy-ak-tuk. But I tell you today that I will never forget it either.

I think after services while we all chat, we should all share our funny stories of Grandma. I know I would like to hear them.


WALKING PATHS

Almost 96 years ago on Christmas day 1913, Grandma began her life. Hers was a life that was proved to be one of honor and success.
Over the years we have all grown older too. We all have different personalities and have all taken different paths.

Today if we all walk backwards along our journeys, each one of our paths will lead back to her.

And tomorrow, as we continue to move forward, they will all lead to her again.

We love you Grandma.



Momsy and Ol' Bud,
So sorry for your loss.
We're thinking of you and your family during your time of loss.
Take care and stay strong.

Julie, Scott, Dan, and Family:

We know how special a mother and grandmother is in our lives. We can share this loss. 

She now has the best seat in the house for our Broadway Singers Concerts- front row, Heaven. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I was at the Elliott when you mom first came.  I remember her big chair and her signing stuffed toy on the window sill and that the extra blanket had to be folded and over her feet at night and the Johnson and Johnson lotion rubbed on her back before bed.

She had a great laugh and I remember having a number of giggles with her. She was a wonderful LADY and will be missed. 

I am saddened to hear of Mrs Smith's passing. I remember her fondly as a dedicated teacher/mentor and librarian at MZ BENNETT.During my school years. She was fond of all the students! A true dedicated educator who will be sadly missed! But the lasting impression she left with the students, will remain! My condolences.  Jim Thompson   Prince George BC. 


To the Nicholson and Smith Families, 

I thought the world of Vivian.  Though my time spent with her was short, my memories of her make me smile.  She touched my heart in a very special way.  

My thoughts and prayers are with you all, 

Chan

Vivian and family. Our thoughts are with you all.
Love Steve,Cheryl,Jimmy and Sean Taylor 

Vivian,
Our sincere condolences. We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
 

Dear Vivian and siblings I truly wish my sincere condolences to you and your families. We will miss your mother at the Elliot and you know how we all cared for her. I will miss Vivian and will think of her often and just think how we now have a very special guardian angel watching over us all now with a smile on her face. Take care and thinking of you ...
Lisa V Personal Support worker  

Julie,

Terry and I are thinking about you and Dan in this difficult time.

Deepest Sympathies 

To express deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one, and to let you know that many thoughts are with you.

Julie,
Deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother.
I hope that your happy memories will help you through this tough time.
Sincerely,
Cathy



We all share your pain.  When God takes our loved ones, we are never ready, no matter the circumstances.  May you find solace in the knowledge of that we are there for you, no matter what you need. 

Lyrics of "This Is Your Time", as sung by Scott Pietrangelo - grandson

It was a life we could all hope to live
To follow the steps that she'd take
To care for her family was top of her list
For her there was one choice to make.

This was her time, this was her dance,
She lived every moment, left nothing to chance,
She swam in the sea, drank of the deep,
Embraced the mystery of all she could be,
This was her time.

Though you are mourning and grieving your loss,
Death died a long time ago,
Swallowed in life, so her life carries on,
Still, it's so hard to let go.

This was her time, this was her dance,
She lived every moment, left nothing to chance,
She swam in the sea, drank of the deep,
Embraced the mystery of all she could be.
Think of tomorrow, think of today,
Faced with the future, oh, what would you say?

This was her time, this was her dance,
She lived every moment left nothing to chance,
She swam in the sea, drank of the deep, 
Follow her lead and hear yourself praying:
Won't you save me?  Won't you save me?

This is your time, this is your dance,
Live every moment, leave nothing to chance,
Swim in the sea, drink of the deep,
Embrace the mystery of all you can be.

  

OBITUARY

Vivian Mary Wallis Smith

December 25, 1913 – November 16, 2009

MacKinnon Family Funeral Home

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