Obituary of Ona Marie Smith

SMITH: Ona Marie (nee White) – A resident of Blenheim, Ona Marie Smith passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at the age of 88. Born in Bothwell, Ona was the daughter of the late John Alex and Maggie Edna (Hoover) White. Alex had been the telegrapher and station master in Bothwell. Predeceased by her first husband, J. Beverly McDougall (1989), with whom she worked very long and hard hours running the Red and White Grocery Store. Predeceased by her second husband, Maurice George Smith (2003) with whom she golfed in Ridgetown and wintered in Florida. Survived by her brother Donald White and his partner Marianne of British Columbia and her brother-in-law Donald “Spike” McDougall of London. Sadly missed by her nieces and nephews, Cheryl and Brian Drozda, Linda and Peter Letkeman, all of British Columbia, John and Veronika McDougall of Rodney, and April Baroth of California. Great-aunt to Michael and Chandy Drozda, Timothy and Lisa Drozda, Brad Drozda and Jennifer Letkeman. Great-great-aunt to Emily and Sophia Drozda. Dear cousin to Harold and May Riley of Aylmer. Predeceased by her sister Doris Sanchez. When good health prevailed, Ona played golf in Blenheim and was a member of the Blenheim Community Golf Club. She was also among the first members of the Blenheim Curling Club. She played bridge at the Blenheim Senior’s Drop-In Centre, and enjoyed an additional game on the weekends where she and her friends rotated hosting. She will be remembered for her comical wit which often broke the ice in tense situations. Ona’s family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bill Terris officiating. Donations made in memory of Ona to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Blenheim Senior’s Drop-In Centre would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com, McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim, Ontario, 519-676-3451.