Tribute to a life well lived for Goldie Gayle Smith (nee-Chantler) born May 20, 1940 died March 23, 2020. Goldie was a gentle soul with a distinctive laugh, sense of humour, a very caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many.
She is survived by her loving husband Paul M. Smith, two sons, Craig and his daughters Charlotte and Olivia, Colin, wife Kelly and their two sons Ryan and Daniel, Peter Smith and wife Faye, her two sisters Judy (predeceased), and Vallee Shatford husband David and many nieces and nephews.
Goldie met the love of her life Paul in Grade 10 at Barrie Central Collegiate. She transferred to Barrie North Collegiate in 1957 when it opened. After High School she worked at Bell Canada until the birth of her two sons then stayed home to help raise them. She always wanted a girl and thereby looked after three young school age girls, Tara Letcher first, who fondly remembers Goldie teaching her how to bake. Later Jamie and Kylie McCall remember the home made tea biscuits and bathing our cats Daisy and Maggie.
In 1963, after Paul Graduated from University of Western they married in October at Thanksgiving. Their marriage lasted 56 and one half years until her death. She was one of the first members of the Barrie Kempenfelt Probus Club, started by Paul and three others in 1958. Goldie arranged for many interesting speakers for four years. Goldie and Paul spent many years with the Barrie Art Club. She became intrigued with Zen Tangles art (a form of creative doodling). She filled six art pads of 100 pages each and continued up to the last. Goldie was well known for her knitting wash cloths and gave all away to many people. In addition, she did rug hooking and made many baby blankets for relatives and friends.
Goldie loved jewellery, especially her many earrings and did not feel dressed without them! She always sent birthday and anniversary cards to all of her nieces and nephews and became famous for always attaching meaningful stickers. Her last card was sent while she was in hospital (R.V.H). During her time in hospital she was visited daily by Paul, our sons Craig, Colin and our best friend Janice McCall.
After leaving the Barrie Art Club, Goldie and Paul joined the Seniors Center at the Allandale Recreation Center, where she learned to play darts. She and Paul enjoyed the many activities and became friends with many of the members.
Goldie and Paul enjoyed many trips such as: camping across the Prairies to Vancouver with their sons, Quebec City, the Maritimes. As an Elvis Presley fan, she enjoyed our tour of Graceland. One of her wishes was to visit Hawaii and was surprised when we took a 15 Day Cruise to Hawaii and visited four Islands. Many winter weeks were spent in Hilton Head Island South Carolina along with friends. Another favourite singer she enjoyed was John Denver and truly loved his song "It's good to be back home". Goldie loved her home and was proud of her decorating and many collectibles. Our family will always remember her saying many times, "There is no place like home!"
A special thank you for the many sympathy cards, e-mails and phone calls.
We thank our family Doctor Mr.H.Kolesky and the R.VH. Specialists, Doctors, Nurses in Surgery 1 Overflow for their excellent help and caring.
A family celebration will take place in the future.
Arrangements entrusted to Marshall W. Driver Cremation & Burial Service, 19 Ross St., Barrie