Eleanor Jean Smith (nee Brodrick) passed away peacefully on September 27, 2023 at her home in Goderich, Ontario in her 88th year. Survived by her adoring husband Ralph Edgar Smith, the love of her life, with whom she shared over 42 happy years. Left to mourn her are her dearly loved children Doug Scott (Anna) and Liz Scott (Rich Fletcher) and her cherished grandchildren Matthew (Katherine) and Carly Scott (Derek Dokis), and Joshua, Cameron (Marta Pawlewicz) and Mackenzie Fletcher. Also remembered by her stepchildren Kimberley (Rick Larin), Stephen (Karen) David, Ann (Paul Harrop) and Greg (Cindy Windsor) and their families, including 8 grandchildren. She especially delighted in their 7 Smith great-grandchildren and 2 Scott great-grandchildren.
Survived by her dear sister-in-law Valerie Brodrick, her brother-in-law Ron Smith (Laurene) and her many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her cousin Sandy (David) Matthews with whom she corresponded weekly.
She will also be remembered by the extended family of her former husband Jim Scott (2017), the “Scott Clan”, all of whom she held close to her heart.
Eleanor was predeceased by her parents Jack (1974) and Carlotta Brodrick (Wheatley)(2003) and her brother Alan (2002). Also predeceased by her brother-in-law Gordon Smith and his wife Bernice and sister-in-law Nancy Smith.
Eleanor was born in Regina on July 20, 1936 and moved to London, Ontario in 1939. She was educated at Tecumseh Public School and South Collegiate before the family moved to Richmond Hill, where she graduated from RHHS. She received her B.A. from the University of Toronto (Trinity College) in 1957 and graduated from Toronto Teacher’s College the following year. She had her specialist in both Primary Education and Special Education. She taught for the Forest Hill Board of Education as well as the London and Huron County Boards where she served as Principal of Huron Hope School and as Vice-Principal of Victoria Public School, retiring in 1991.
With her husband Ralph, she travelled from Nunavut to the Amazon Jungle, enjoying cruises around the world and train trips across Canada. They loved tent camping before progressing to a trailer, then a fifth wheel and finally a park model where they enjoyed more sunsets over the lake.
Her happiest times were spent at their cabin in the woods on their 40-acre property, close to their Bayfield home on Lake Huron. Half of this property was donated to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and has become the Smith Heritage Trail at the Bannockburn Wildlife Centre.
A creative soul, Eleanor’s many hobbies included weaving, co-writing books, and genealogy. Her passion for the past was fed by a number of years as volunteer archivist at St. George’s Anglican Church in Goderich. She authored a book on the families commemorated in the 29 stained glass windows at the church and donated the proceeds to the church.
The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation for the tremendous kindness, care, and comfort that the special Goderich Place family provided. We also wish to acknowledge the loving attention received by Dr. Michael Dawson, Eleanor’s doctor of many years, and her loving palliative nurse Jessica Bentley.
The family wishes to also share our heartfelt appreciation to Eleanor and Ralph’s daughters, Liz and Kim, for their dedicated and tireless support of their mom and dad throughout Eleanor’s final journey. It has been a loving sacrifice of their time and devotion to ensure as comfortable a transition as possible for Eleanor and Ralph, for which we are all immensely thankful.
Eleanor’s kindness, love of family, gentle strength, and generous spirit will ripple through this world forever.
Donations in Eleanor’s memory would be appreciated to St. George’s Anglican Church in Goderich for the Restoration Fund for the Stained Glass Windows, or to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Cremation has taken place.
Family visitation 12-1, and public visitation from 1:00-2:00 with a Funeral Service to follow at 2 pm on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at St. George’s Anglican Church, 87 North St, Goderich. A Graveside service will be held at Maitland Cemetery on Friday June 14, 2024 at 3 PM.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Deirdre Biggar
Condolences from our family to Ralph, Doug, Liz and family on the loss of Eleanor. Our contact had lessened over the years but we shared fond memories of your family visiting our farm (Dolway) near London when we were children. We recognized at that young age how engaging and kind your mother was. More recently we reconnected in Goderich at the Pizza Hut in August, 2022 to learn so much more about our family history from Eleanor! She prepared well for that meeting and we had copious amounts of information for us to take home! I’m so glad we were able to visit with her and Ralph and able to share this time with them.
Deirdre, Jenifer, John, and Malcolm Wilson
Jim Hunter
Dear Doug, Liz and families,
Condolences from the Hunter family on the passing of your Mother, Eleanor .
Mary Ellen McGill
Dear Ralph and family,
I was so surprised and sorry to hear of Eleanor’s death. She was such a lovely lady and you were an amazing couple. I enjoyed both of you so much, especially in those last years when Mom was living at Goderich Place also. This will be a difficult time for you. I’m sending love and sympathy for your loss.
Mary Ellen
Cate Abbott
Dear Liz, Doug, and families,
I have so many fond memories of your mom while growing up on the farm as neighbours. We were so fortunate when your family moved to the country, and we can still count you as friends today. I remember your mom driving us to Toronto to watch the Canadian Tennis Open and also camping out in your field one summer night. She’ll be truly missed, such a loving, caring person and special mom to you both.
Gerda Vanden Hoven
Sending sincere sympathy to Ralph and their family on the loss of dear Eleanor. We met them when they enjoyed round dancing in Clinton with the Huron Happy Hearts. They made many friends there and we enjoyed their company when we gathered at Bogies to celebrate the new year. She was a wonderful and caring person. She was always smiling. Rest in peace, Eleanor.
Dianne Waun
Eleanor was a wonderful friend and mentor during our teaching days in Huron Park and later in Goderich.
So glad that she was not in pain and that she had time to say goodbye to her precious family. I will treasure her memory.
Dianne
Bill Wheatley
Ralph, Doug, Liz and families. Our condolences on the passing of my cousin Eleanor.
Different ages and living in different parts of the country, didn’t give me the opportunity to get to know Eleanor and her family well. I’m well aware though, of Eleanor’s special place in her community and the good work and care she gave to enrich the community.
Joan and I last saw Eleanor and Ralph when they came for the occasion of the celebration of my father’s life at the Wheatley cottage outside of Regina many years ago. It was a wonderful time seeing Eleanor and Ralph and hearing of their life and family along with seeing my Aunt Carlotta and Aunt Jean.
Fond memories that we will carry with us forever. May Eleanor rest in peace.
Joan Shckleton
Ralph- I am so sorry to hear of Eleanor’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and an admirable colleague. We had many good chats and laughs while we were both at Victoria Public School.
Dianne Salt
Sending our deepest condolences to Doug, Liz and their families. We are thinking of all of you and hoping that happy memories of a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt get you through what is surely a very tough time. Bob and Dianne
Joyce Black
Ralph and families – Sincere sympathy in the passing of your dear wife. I was very sorry to see Eleanor had passed on and she will be missed by her family and friends. She always had a smile and a friend to many. Thinking of everyone at this sad time and take care.
Melanie Nurse
Eleanor was such a huge part of our Goderich Place family, active in so many programs and activities. Whenever Show and Tell was on, I knew that Eleanor would always bring an interesting item or family treasure.
Eleanor was so kind, considerate and helpful towards the other residents at Goderich Place (her and Ralph helped edit a residents memoir during Covid), her presence will be greatly missed.
A favourite part of my day, was taking the newspaper up to Ralph, and chatting about everything and anything with Eleanor.
Rest in Peace Eleanor and know that you made a huge impact on so many people.
Heidi Schilbe
Sending my condolences to Ralph and family. I always thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Eleanor and Ralph. She will be missed.
Jim Chapman
Ralph,
Doug, Liz and families;
My sincere condolences !
You will have so many positive memories that will modify the loss !
Focus on them !
Irene Gordon
Eleanor was such a gentile and giving individual in all aspects of her life. She will be truly missed.
Mary Forrest
My deepest sympathy to Ralph and all the family. Eleanor was a wonderful lady and will be missed.
Eleanor Lawson
I remember getting to know Eleanor well while visiting my dad at Goderich Place. She was a bright light in there with so much laughter and positivity. It was obvious how much everyone there adored her….residents and staff. I have known her husband Ralph for close to 60 years as he was the principal at my public school in Goderich and two of his sons were very close friends of me and my brother. My condolences go out to Ralph and the entire family at this time of sorrow.
Cathy Whitford
What a beautiful tribute. Our Sincere Condolences to all of her family and friends, Bruce and Cathy Whitford
Connie Tasker
To Ralph and all of Eleanor’s family I want to offer my heartfelt condolences in the passing of Eleanor. What a lady and what a friend to everyone..I had met Ralph and Eleanor when Ralph rented a tux from us years ago. I volunteer at Goderich Place and when they moved in and
became part of the Goderich Place family it was wonderful! Eleanor was very active and joined in a lot of activities and was always helping others!!!! Soar with the Angels Eleanor you have certainly earned your wings!!!!!
MABEL CLARK
Condolences to you Ralph and the rest of the family,such a wonderful person Eleanor was,
Jane Clancy Gebeyehu
My sincere condolences Mr. Smith, Kim and family. What a loving tribute to a life well lived. I am so sorry for your loss.
Phil de Haan
Great tribute to a life well lived. My condolences and may the visitation and service be filled with love, laughter and life.