Heather Jean Smith

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Heather Smith. She died peacefully in her sleep at home. Her passing leaves a huge hole in the heart of her husband of 40 years, Norm Smith.

Heather was born in Victoria, the fourth child of Robin Grant MacDonald and Audrey Bernice (Bennie) MacDonald (nee Little). Heather enjoyed a free-range childhood, growing up in Royal Oak and was a founding member of the Royal Oak Historical Association. She was also a supporter of the Saanich Historical Artifacts at Heritage Acres. Heather was known for her great memory and was often relied on by her family to clarify events and details. She made friends easily and frequently, starting in elementary school, continuing at her work as an accountant, when she traveled, online and even in lineups. Her house and cookies were a favourite of neighbourhood children, and many friends and family have wonderful memories from Norm and Heather’s annual salmon barbeque. A breast cancer survivor, Heather dealt with congestive heart failure for the past seven years but loved and embraced life. She spent time making art with her friend Trudy, tenting and swimming with Joanne, lunch with her sisters, and traveling with Norm. Six days before she died, she attended her family’s annual summer solstice dinner at the beach – and wished she had taken her bathing suit!

Heather leaves behind a large family who loved her deeply. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Norm, his children who she loved as her own, Steve Smith, Karen Salmon and husband Steve, and daughter-in-law Debbie Smith. Heather took great joy in her grandchildren Brianna, Carly, Nicole, Courtney, Katelyn and Nick, and her great grandchildren Hayden, Hanna, Angelina, Kegan, Ryleigh, Dominyck, and Wesley. She will be missed by her siblings and their partners: Grant, Audrey (Jim), Virginia, Steve (Elaine), Lorna (Ross) and Louise (Mike), as well as 17 nieces and nephews and 23 great-nieces and nephews. Heather’s faithful dog, Lily, is lost without her.

Heather was predeceased by her parents, brother Neil, brother-in-law Dave Baade, sister-in-law Eva and stepson David Smith.

A celebration of life will be held July 23, 2024 at 2:00pm at First Memorial located at 4725 Falaise Drive. All are welcome and encouraged to speak or share memories. Service will also be live streamed and a link and password can be obtained from the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Heather’s memory can be made to (a charity that Heather supported):

* Heart and Stroke Foundation

* BC Cancer Foundation

* Help Fill a Dream Foundation