Passed away with her family by her side at Nithview Long Term Care, New Hamburg on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the age of 85. Beloved wife of the late Gerald Smith for 59 years. Cherished mother of Wayne and Patricia Smith, and Linda and Mario Maldonado. Adored grandmother of Emily, and Katherine Smith; Lexie, and Bradley Maldonado. Fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews.
Sylvia was a devoted homemaker and biggest supporter to her husband Gerry in his many fiddle contests over the years. Family was always her first priority. Sylvia enjoyed sewing and knitting in her free time and was very active through the Exeter United Church.
“Think of me when you see the colours of autumn, my favourite season, diamond glitters in the snow, birds in flight, the twinkling stars in the night – I will be close by”
In keeping with Sylvia’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A public graveside service will be held at Exeter Cemetery on Saturday, December 9th at 11 AM.
Donations to Exeter United Church in Sylvia’s memory would be appreciated by the family.
Jane Lynd (Pollock)
Linda, Wayne & families, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful Mom. I have fond memories of her from many years ago. My sincere condolences.
Ann Cox
dear Wayne,Linda and families, you’re in my thoughts at this sad time.When the Smith families got together there was always music! Silvia loved this. She was a wonderfully warm person . May your parents memories comfort you.
Dennis and Emily Sullivan
We were sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. What a sweet, gentle and caring lady! We have spent so many hours at so many contests sitting together. May the love of your family help all of you during this difficult time. Dennis and Emily Sullivan
Omar Maldonado
It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest sympathies to Wayne & Linda’s Family. Sylvia’s ever welcoming smile and energetic vitality, will be forever in hearts & minds. As a person of faith, I truly believe she is now united with her soulmate Gerry.
To the remaining Family, who’s tears probably seem an endless river, I hope that the loving memories of Sylvia will help you weather this storm of grief.
Marilyn Mighton
So very sorry to hear about Sylvia’s passing. She was a ‘gentle’ soul…….soooo very authentic……so very supportive of the Fiddle World. She will be missed. Sending BIG hugs to Wayne, Linda & families.
Susan Dunlop
Dear Linda and family, my sincere sympathy in the loss of your mom. I remember her from the many fiddle contests and how she always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. May your memories give you comfort through this difficult time.
Margaret DeLong
My condolences to Linda, Wayne and your family. Your mom always had a beautiful smile as she is a wonderful lady.
Bruce & Nancy Norris
Sorry for your loss Linda, Wayne & families. Your mother was a very caring and lovely lady. May you find comfort in knowing she is now at peace and reunited with your father.
Karen Reed
Linda, Wayne, and family, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Sylvia! I have many memories of your mom and dad throughout the years at all of the fiddle competitions as well as visits at your family home. Sylvia was always so supportive, kind, and giving. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Lawrence & Carol Amos
Lawrence & Carol Amos
Wayne, Linda and your Families:
We are saddened to learn of the passing of a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, and close Friend Sylvia.
Sylvia always had a smile and a great sense of humor. We will all cherish our memories of a life well lived and hope this will bring comfort to each of you through this difficult time.
Our Love and Prayers are with each of you.
Wendy Kerslake
Wayne, Linda and families.
Sincere condolences to you in the loss of your Mom,
I enjoyed many great times at the Curling Club with Sylvia! I will remember her gentle smile, great sense of humour and the twinkle in her eye! A special lady!
Julia Martene
Wayne, Linda and families
Our sincerest condolences and fondest memories of Sylvia.
Sylvia and Gerry’s support of Devon’s music, lessons, concerts and fiddle competitions, over the years will be remembered in our hearts forever.
Julia, Earl, and Devon Martene
Ann Utley (Smith)
So sorry Wayne and Linda for the loss of your dear Mom. Lots of memories that go way back to visits when Uncle Gerald and Aunt Sylvia lived in Owen Sound to the Smith reunions in the Russelldale Hall! My Mom always enjoyed her phone visits! She was loved but will never be forgotten!🦋
Jim Chapman
Wayne, Linda and Families:
My sincere condolences !!
Lots of good memories as neighbours on Riverside, like “jam” time in the garage, Gerry
coming through the back yard with a shovel to help level the footings when we built , short visits
when delivering church newsletters, curling as a team (we even had a few wins !).
I was able to touch base with her when she was a resident in McCarthy Place.
Shelley McLean (Hopper)
Linda & Wayne, and families. I am so sorry for the loss of your mom.
Linda, I remember Sylvia’s steadfast support of you and your Dad at the fiddle contest, her wonderful sense of humor, laugh, and kindness. May the memories you have be a comfort to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Jim Oesch
Jerry is now reunited with Sylvia coming to be with him. 2 very loved people. Jerry was a guy that had a smile of fun and happiness and loved his wife and children. Sylvia was his joy. I had the pleasure at Kongskilde to meet Jerry and in turn Sylvia. Wayne and Linda and family will miss her. Jerry gave me a family tree book years ago showing me his relationship with the Oesch families.
Jerry Finnen
It would be hard not to love Sylvia with her always winning smile and beautiful red hair. I send my deepest condolences to all of her family as I know it is a very sad time for them.
Karen & Randy Stanlake
Sylvia & Gerry were such a wonderful couple. Very proud of their family. I worked with Gerry for 20 yrs at Kongskilde and enjoyed many times with them both. Sending our sincerest condolences.
Cheryl Masson
My sincere sympathies. I had the pleasure of curling with Sylvia in the Wednesday evening Ladies’ league. She was such a warm and welcoming person.
Ian Mc Naughton
Our deepest sympathies and thoughts to our cousins at this time. Thinking of all of you! Virginia and Ian McNaughton.
Frank and Cathie McCowan
To Wayne & Linda and your families, we extend our condolences. We have so many years of great memories of such a wonderful cheerful aunt, all the way back to the occasion at the farm when Uncle Gerald brought Sylvia to meet the families. We loved you aunt Sylvia.
Bob Felker
Wayne and Linda, and Families, My condolences to you on the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. When Leslie and I visited with Sylvia and Gerry, what I remember is the sparkle in her eyes.
In Sympathy,
Bob Felker, Allison and Jordan
Michael Veri
Our deepest sympathies Wayne, Linda and Families. Mom and Dad were our neighbors for many years.
Mike and Lynn Veri and families
Richard
Aunt Sylvia was indeed a sweet, kind lady. She was always delighted when a brought her some of my cookies, many of which were old family recipes from my mom, Sylvia’s older sister, Olive.
She was the last of the “Looker Girls”,,, and will forever be a beloved part of our family history.
Liz Stephens
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mom . Sylvia & Gerry were great neighbours for many many years . Hold your memories close during this sad time .
Carol Maclean
Wayne and Linda and families my sympathy to you all ,I’m so sorry to hear of Sylvias passing thinking of you all .
Sharon Hartigan
Remembering our Aunt Sylvia and how fortunate we were to spend time together. The “cousins” appreciated the family history she shared and photo’s of early days with our mothers. Auntie was always willing to share recipes and updates on all going on with Wayne and Linda (and their families).
Family was her circle of love.
Will cherish the time we had together always.
Sharon
Melonie Miller
Sylvia was a lovely lady.. I use to curl with her and she was always smiling. As a new curler, she was very supportive and didn’t take my bad shots serious as others might do.
A delight to know.. our condolences to all of you.
Barry & Melonie Miller
Jodi Schmidt
Wayne&Linda. I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful person, I always felt at home in her presence , and I loved to listen to her stories about Borden Avenue.. when her and Mom did everything together. I’m sure they are together now forever. I will miss her.
Kelly Walter
I have so many fond memories of aunt Sylvia. She loved nature and gardening and was a master canner of peaches and other harvest goodies that grew on their property in Exeter.
I enjoyed my visits with her after your Dad passed.
I hope your families find some comfort in the good memories you had with her.
She will be missed.
Kelly
Susan Moore
Neighbours across the street on Riverside of Sylvia and Gerry. Linda you babysat for us! Bringing back memories! Thinking of you all!
Susan
Bev Quinn
Auntie was such a sweet, kind, humble lady and I will never forget her smile or laugh. My sincerest condolences to you Linda and Wayne and your families. She will be missed but thank goodness we have good memories to remember her by.
Bob and Helen Coates
We extend our condolences to Wayne, Linda and their families for the loss of a dear mother and grandmother. I have lovely memories of visiting with Sylvia as we worked together at Exeter United Church Women activities in the kitchen May your memories comfort you.
Evelyn Vincent
To Sylvia’s family and loved ones
Sincere sympathy. May the good memories help bring peace and comfort
Donna Mosurinjohn(Smith)
Wayne & Linda and families,I am very sorry to read that Aunt Sylvia has passed away..she was a very caring lovely woman..please accept my sincere condolences ❤️