November 29, 2022
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lauretta Smith. She passed away peacefully at the age of 97 at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
She was born in Ladner, B.C. into a Delta pioneer family and was the oldest of five girls, daughters of Johnny and Dolly Allen.
She married Mike Smith in 1949. They lived in Ladner until 1981 when they moved to Parksville, B.C. to be close to their daughter and her family.
Lauretta and Mike spent many happy years boating, fishing, exploring B.C. in their camper and travelling to the U.S. on bus tours.
Lauretta resided for the last seven years at The Gardens in Qualicum Beach, B.C. Thank you to the staff and especially the Homecare Workers who took such good care of her.
She is predeceased by her husband Mike of 55 years (2004), her son John (1971) and her sister Hazel Wilson (2016).
She is survived by her daughter Judy Haylock and son-in-law Rennie and their four daughters Brodie Poirier (Joe), Brieane Snyder (Craig), Calais Gionet (Aaron), Cailen Haylock (Mike Rutty), nine great-grandchildren Jagger and Lennox Poirier, Jorden, Parker and Cruz Rietzel, Sutton and Briar Gionet, Ryder Brooks and Londyn Rutty.
Lauretta is also survived by her sisters Phyllis Carter, Beverley Johnston and Jeannette Thomson and their families.
She was a fantastic cook, gardener, seamstress, and loved doing crafts. She was still knitting every day at 97 until she went into the hospital.
Lauretta was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #61 in Ladner.
She was also a member of the Order Of The Eastern Star, Fraser Chapter #30, and the Arbutus Chapter #68. She made countless memories and lifelong friends enjoying teas, meetings, travel, conventions and volunteering for cancer dressing. She held the honour of being Worthy Matron twice.
For all of Lauretta's 97 years she accomplished being a wonderful wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunty, grandmother, great-grandmother (aka Nanny two).
We will all miss her.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
Lauretta's ashes will be placed next to her husband and parents at the Boundary Bay Cemetery in Tsawwassen, B.C.