Marjorie “Irene” Smith Death, Obituary – Marjorie “Irene” Smith (11 December 1940 – 2 June 2023) The family of Marjorie Irene Smith (née Ketchabaw) announces her untimely death on June 2nd, 2023, at her residence in Pleasant Manor Radiant Care, Marjorie “Irene” Smith (December 11, 1940 – June 2, 2023). The family of Marjorie Irene Smith (née Ketchabaw) announces her untimely death on June 2nd, 2023, at her residence in Pleasant Manor Radiant Care, Virgil, Ontario.
Irene was a St. Catharines resident who had previously lived in Walsingham, Tillsonburg, and Eden, Ontario. Irene enjoyed gardening, sewing, and making stuffed rag dolls and animals for her grandkids and great grandchildren. Her family meant everything to her. She was a successful manager at Tillsonburg’s The Red Grill before opening Mrs. Smith’s Lunch in Woodstock.
She spent many years working at Fernlea Flowers in Delhi and was a beloved employee of the HAPPY daycare in Straffordville, Ontario, which the kids there affectionately dubbed Gramma’s Daycare. Irene was constantly busy, bursting with enthusiasm, and ready to provide a helping hand to everyone who needed it.
She was always up for a discussion, had coffee ready at all times, and had the ability to create an incredible feast out of thin air when unexpected company showed up. The kitchen served as a gathering place for family and friends constantly. After 63 glorious years of marriage, Irene is predeceased by the love of her life, Ivan Ray Smith (November 1, 2022).
Irene and Ivan raised four children: Kelly Carswell (predeceased January 4, 2023), James (Lori) Smith, Katherine Walker (Joe), and Murray (Tracey) Smith. Grandmother to 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Irene’s sister Juanita McQuiggan, brother Skip (Hugh) and his wife Beatrice, and sister-in-law Margaret Ketchabaw (Emerson) survive her.
Hugh and Nellie (Nee Chute) Ketchabaw, as well as her brother Gene Ketchabaw, predeceased her. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and community members will miss Irene immensely. Cremation was performed in accordance with her and Ivan’s desires, and a memorial service for both Ivan and Irene will be arranged at a later date. Following the celebration, interment will take place in Glen Meyer Baptist Cemetery.
The family wishes to convey their heartfelt gratitude to Pleasant Manor’s administration, nursing staff, and exceptional PSWs for their kind and constant care since November 1, 2022, till her passing. The world will be a duller place without Irene’s bright, lovely grin, but the family is grateful that she smiled right up to the moment she stepped back into Ivan’s arms.
Everyone who knew Irene is encouraged to submit favorite memories, sorrow notes, images, or memorial donations to the