Obituary of Maureen Smith

Yvonne MAUREEN SMITH (Finkbeiner) Passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side, on January 07, 2023, in her 68th year. The loving wife of Peter John of 48 years; devoted mother to Jacob and his wife Melanie, and Laura and her husband Duncan; and proud grandmother to Ethan and Oliver, Maureen will forever be remembered by the family she loved. Maureen is predeceased by her father Eugene, and survived by her mother Wenonah, her sister Chris (John), and brothers Michael (Leslie) and Paul (Susan). Leaving Thornton, Ontario, for the big city, Maureen graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and began a lifelong commitment to helping those in need. As an active nurse, a community volunteer and a compassionate friend, she supported countless people using her education and her personal experiences. Maureen was a two-time survivor of breast cancer and the founder of the Guelph Dragon Boat team, the Breaststrokes, where she also became an advocate and personal supporter of many women going through breast cancer treatment. An active Rotarian and seamstress, Maureen’s well-known handmade bags raised over $30,000 for Food4Kids, a charity providing food packs to hundreds of food-insecure children in the Guelph area. For over 10 years, Maureen chaired the Sunshine Committee of the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium, leading countless initiatives, big and small, to bring compassionate gestures of support to those in the community going through times of difficulty. At home, Maureen took deep joy walking her beloved black lab, Bella (no matter the weather), and always making family, friends and visitors feel welcome with her superb cuisine and bright smile. Married as students, Maureen and Peter created homes for the family in Toronto, Mississauga, Guelph and Puslinch, as well as their cherished cottage on Shabomeka Lake. Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life which will be held on Sunday January 22nd at 1:30 pm at the Cutten Fields, 190 College Avenue East in Guelph. In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Food4Kids Guelph or the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Gilchrist Chapel McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph (519-824-0031). We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family. Service Information Service Date Sunday, January 22, 2023 Service Time 1:30 Service Location Cutten Fields Requested Charity Food4Kids Guelph or Canadian Cancer Society