Passed away at Huronview Home for the Aged, Clinton on Monday, November 13, 2023 at the age of 94. Beloved wife of the late William Smith (2012) for 53 years. Cherished mother of Robert and Jennifer Smith. Adored grandmother of Andrew and Mariana, and Matthew and Sofyia and great-grandmother of Leo, Ava, Zoe, Mia and Hope. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Ken and Joyce Nicholson of Alliston. Fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sisters Margaret Ritchie, Marion Gillespie, and Isabel Hunter, brothers-in-law Lorne Ritchie, Don Gillespie, Jim Hunter, Ken Gardner, Ross Finlayson, and Dave Stewart, sisters-in-law Jessie McKellar, Margaret Gardner, Betty Finlayson, and Ruth Stewart, and niece Wanda Hunter.
Donnie grew up on the family farm around Ashfield Twp., and worked as a nurse until she changed her career and worked with her beloved husband William in the family grocery store. She was an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church, Seaforth for many years. Donnie was very well known for her volunteer work in the community and church and was a motherly figure to many.
In keeping with Donnie’s wishes cremation has taken place. A private family graveside will be held at Maitlandbank Cemetery. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Haskett Funeral Homes, Seaforth (519-527-1390).
Donations to Alzheimer Society – Huron Perth would be appreciated by the family.
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).
John & Ruth Snell
Dear Rob, Jennifer & family
Our deepest condolences to all of you in the death of your Mom/Grandma & Great Grandma. Donnie was such a sweet lady and I had many visits with her when she moved back from Mississauga to Huronview Home for the Aged. When we first moved to this area, Donnie greeted us on behalf of the Presbyterian Church and encouraged me to getting involved in many ways. She has been missed. You will have many great memories. She was so proud of her family.
Janice and Larry Snell
Rob and family,
Sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Your Mom and Dad were always great friends and neighbour’s to us when we lived across the street in Egmondville.
Nancy Gardner
Rob Jennifer and family my condolences Donnie was a special lady so kind and thoughtful very sorry for your loss love Nancy Paul and family 💞
Dick & Shirley Robinson
Rob & Jennifer and family. Sorry for your loss. Donnie was such a lovely lady & always had fond memories of her when our kids were young and Donnie would sometimes be the one looking after our kids in the nursery at church. When I’d mention that to her while working at Huronview she always had that warm smile. She had such a kind heart and shared her talents and I remember she was always willing to lend a helping hand during church activities. Treasure the memories.
Joan & Nicholas Vandermey
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother, Rob, Jennifer and family. It was the spiel she threw at me back in September of 1995 that led me apply for the Call to the Seaforth/Clinton pastoral charge. She was totally unaware that she delivered that spiel in the presence of a friend and elder from St. Andrew’s, Prescott. We were in Seaforth for a niece’s wedding. Our friend passed away on November 1 so there is a double reason for remembering that occasion.
Your mother and father were a wonderful support over the years.
Grace Coleman
My sincere sympathy to Donnie family. She was a wonderful neigbour. Treasure the memories.
Heather Patten
Rob, Jennifer, Andrew, Matthew and family.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Aunt Donnie was always so very kind and we loved her dearly. We have such great memories of your mom and dad. Many stories of the times we spent with them. We will cherish those wonderful memories always xoxo
Heather, Donnie & family
Nancy and Jeffery Moses
Rob, Jennifer, Matthew and Andrew
I will never forget Donnie as she was my mother’s best friend and a second mother to me. I have wonderful memories of having tea parties at Donnie’s home, watching Saturday night hockey games with the Gardner cousins, and Donnie’s shortbread cookies, well they were the best. These memories seem like yesterday. The Smith family played a wonderful role in my childhood and I will never forget them.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nancy and Jeffery Moses (O’Shea)
Jane and Dean Fielding
Rob, Jennifer and family: Sincere condolences on Donnie’s passing. Both she and Bill were so much a part of my memories of church as a child and young adult. I still think of them with great fondness. You are in our prayers.
Joanne Knights& Family
Rob and Jennifer and families Sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a wonderful neighbour always kind and caring.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time
Annabelle Aitchison
Rob Jen and boys sorry for your loss.I am feeling it deeply myself from being the little girl who received her first doll from aunt Donnie and on for many years of great memories visiting in Seaforth.She is resting in peace now.She will be remembered with much ❤️.
Sandi Henderson
Deepest sympathies Rob, Jennifer and family ♥️
Jeff & Sandi Henderson
Matt, Stacey & Rachel Handy
We send our love and condolences to you Rob, Jen, Andrew & Matthew. Aunt Donnie meant so much to us. We fondly remember all of our times in the field, playing cards in the kitchen, going to the Tasty-Nu and the special moments with family and friends at church. So much of who I am is because of my Aunt Donnie. I am a proud nurse who loves a tidy organized home, farms and animals, and having tea in a fancy cup. She always made me feel so special- with boots ready for the garden, Easter weekend surprises and Fall walks and meals together. My time growing up in Seaforth meant so much to me and I will be forever grateful for the many things she taught me. She will be missed and loved forever.
Brian & Helen (Southgate) Oldfield
Dear Rob & Jennifer & family,
Sending our sincere condolences at this sad time of loss.
Ralph and Dianne Wood
Donnie and Bill were great neighbours of ours in Egmondville. As Donnie and I were both nurses we had lots to talk about.
Our heartfelt sympathy to all the family in the passing of a special lady.
We wish we had known she was living so close in Huronview. ❤️
Irene Nicholson
Rob, Jennifer and family. My sincerest sympathies. So many fond memories of visits, Sunday school picnics, the Frienship Circle and much more. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Maclean
Rob and Jennifer and families
Sorry to hear of the passing of Donnie, remembering the days at Smith’s grocery store, neighbourhood baseball games at the field, Church functions, stops at the porch for a visit, a cup of tea always served in a fancy cup and saucer. Thinking of all of you.
Carol
Jim and Margaret Nigh
Our sincere condolences Rob, Jennifer and family. We have great fond memories of your mom.
Joanne (Carter) Cameron
Rob, Jennifer and families.
Sending my love and prayers at this difficult time. Memories never fade, they linger in our hearts forever.
I remember your Mom well from First Presbyterian Church..she was such a wonderful caring person.
She will be missed.
Rick & Carolyn Powell
We are so sorry for you loss. Donnie was dedicated member of First Church & very supportive of the Sunday School. I remember Bill & Donnie offering their big yard for the Sunday School picnic. The kids had a great time playing games there. She was a lovely lady. How blessed you all are to have so many wonderful memories to console you.
Sincerely, Rick & Carolyn Powell
Glenda Feeney
Rob and Jennifer and families. Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was always such a kind and wonderful woman. Prayers and hugs to you all at this time. 💜
Ann (Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Rob and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.