Family and friends mourn the final glorious sunset for Anne Chambers Christopher Smith. Anne peacefully left us on January 17, 2025, with her daughter Camie Lee and her son John Christopher at her side. She lived her 94 years with grace, determination, humor, and a zest for life.
Anne was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland to Dr. John Chambers and Mrs. Margaret Chambers. She had a brother Dr. John Chambers and sister Mickey Chambers who moved to Santiago, Chile and married Mabo Strabucci and had five children. Anne traveled across the US and Europe with Mickey and visited her sister many times in Chile, including several cruises around South America. Anne graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in English. She worked with an insurance company for several years. She met and married John Francis Christopher in 1955. They had three children, Carol Christopher Morehouse predeceased in 2019 (m Jim Morehouse, w daughters Laura (m Justin, son Cole) and Sarah (m Ryan Shenk,) Camie Christopher Lee (m Tom Lee, son Christopher and daughter Lizzie,) and John Christopher (m Kim Seelbrede.) In 1967, they moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Anne was active in and worked for the Junior League. Her husband, John Sr. left us too soon in 1985. With her children grown and living in different places, Anne moved back to Baltimore. Five years later, Anne met a special Canadian, Robert Smith, during vacations in Ft. Lauderdale. Bob and Anne married in 1993 and started a new life together in Goderich, Ontario. It didn’t take long for Anne to establish close friends in a new country. She proudly became a dual citizen of both the USA and Canada.
Anne was an energetic, witty companion. She was always curious, read continually throughout her life, and was willing to share a nugget of wisdom when given the opportunity. She loved to travel around the world, to sail, and would inspire helpful participation in any garden she touched. High on her list of priorities was enjoying a sunset cocktail or being engulfed by the sound of the Goderich Celtic Blue Highlanders piping down the sun at Rotary Cove Beach. She and Bob spent most winters in Ft. Lauderdale enjoying the sea gulls, beach, and swimming in the ocean.
She passed along her love for the beach and its peaceful changing of the tides to her family. Her four cherished grandchildren Laura ( & great grandson Cole,) Sarah, Chris, and Lizzie will remember her quick hands playing competitive solitaire, rounds of backyard croquet, book recommendations, her sharp mind quietly solving the morning crossword puzzle, and taking on Jeopardy. She was generous, and her home was always welcoming to visitors.
Anne leaves deep friendships in Baltimore, St. Louis and Goderich. Her family is indebted to her “2nd family” and community of friends in Goderich who provided a solid support system for Anne for over 30 years and especially during the end of her life. We will miss her deeply. Thank you to all who supported and loved her on her grand journey!
Per her wishes, there will not be a funeral service or celebration of life, cremation has taken place. Look for her in the sunrises above the oceans and sunsets above Lake Huron.
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).
Verlaine Burke
… SOME TIME AT EVE ..
‘Sometime at eve when the tide is low
I shall slip my mooring and sail away,
With no response to the friendly hail
Of kindred craft in the busy bay.
In the silent hush of the twilight pale,
When the night stoops down to embrace the day,
And the voices call in the waters flow,~
Some time at eve when the tide is low,
I shall slip my mooring and sail away.’
Elizabeth Clark Hardy
We will see you, Anne, in the sunsets, and feel you in our hearts always. GiGi, Kevin & Verlaine xo
Debby Nuell Reid-Morlan
Camie, John, and Family,
I wanted to share some lovely memories of Ann. I have so many fond with memories from the Christopher family trips, outings, holidays, and sleepovers with the family. Carol was my closest friend. We loved to attend our High School sporting events rooting with Camie cheerleading in stands. Ann always welcomed me in her home like I was her own. I especially remember Ann and my mom hanging out by the kiddie pool at Shaw Park in Clayton STL, chatting away while we kids played Marco Polo or headed to snack bar or sunned on bleachers. Ann was one of my first teachers of character growing up. She was a wonderful woman and brilliant. She had such a beautiful heart and a smile that could light up a room. Ann and Carol will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget the people I loved most ever. My prayers are with you at this trying time.
Bill and Donna Fritzley
To Anne’s family
Please know that we are thinking of you at this very difficult time. She was a charming lady and we enjoyed our little talks with her at the beach for many years. It was also a pleasure to meet several of you when you came to Goderich to visit. All of you will be missed
Rest in peace dear friend
Bill and Donna
Janet and Mike Hennry
Our condolences to Camie, John, family and friends. We have many wonderful memories through the years with Anne and Bob. See you down the road cousin.
Peggy Denomme
I last spoke to Anne at a party in early December. She was always friendly and cheerful and an inspiration for quality of life as we age. Anne smiled often and always had a friendly word. My sincere condolences to Anne’s family.
Nancy White
I have many fond memories of “Mrs. Smith “”” as I always called her!!! She was a wonderful lady and it was a pleasure to have a conversation with her!!! My condolences to her family and friends!!!