Obituary of Yolande Smith
Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at University Hospital, London, Ontario on Wednesday, September 11th in her 95th year.
Loving wife of Julian Smith. Beloved mother of Dan (Marian Hubley), Derek (Diane), Wayne (Ross Slater), Robin (Heather) (Dorothy - deceased), Lynda (Antony) Wilkie, and Martyn. Proud grandmother of Jamie, Matthew, Kristen, Lyndsey, Corey, Amanda-deceased, Sean, Danielle, Deana, Kyle, Maddie, Ben and six great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Rita Gloin (Neil - deceased). Predeceased by her parents Wilfrid and Germaine Legaré and her siblings Jean Legaré and Marc Legaré.
Yolande was born in Quebec City on April 17th, 1925. Educated at the Ursuline Convent, she earned a degree in Classics, became fully bilingual, and began her working career in Department Store accounting, followed by roles in a law office and as a secretary at Université Laval in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
She met Julian while in Quebec (he was playing hockey with the Quebec Aces) and they married in 1951, moving to Toronto where Yolande worked as a translator for an insurance firm. They eventually settled in London, Ontario in 1957 where they raised their family of six children.
Yolande had many interests and became involved in all aspects of family and community life including school associations and all types of sports (baseball, lacrosse, and hockey, and more). She loved her Church family and was a member of various committees, including the church choir, COR youth retreats, and Cursillo adults retreats. She was a major organizer of the church’s social events for many years. In addition, she gave tirelessly as a volunteer, helping others less fortunate throughout the London Community.
Yolande was quick-witted, funny, and loved music, dancing, sewing, knitting, crafts, and so much more. She was one of the most organized people you will ever meet and had a passion for people – and especially for family. She was the catalyst to our family solidarity, despite our diverse ways, and the last one to leave any party - especially if it was family.
A heartfelt thank you to all the caring nurses and staff at the LHSC University Hospital.
Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Friday, September 13th from 2-4 and 7-9 o'clock. Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Divine Church, 390 Baseline Road West, on Saturday morning, September 14th at 10:00 o'clock. Interment in St. Peter's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to London Health Sciences Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated
