Obituary of Blanche Gertrude Smith

Smith, Blanche Gertrude (nee Vincent) --

A resident of Chatham, Blanche passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance in her 95th year. 

She was the daughter of the late Samuel and Lucinda (Boswell) Vincent and stepdaughter to the late Roy Starks.

Beloved wife of 63 years to the love of her life, and back in the loving arms of her husband, the late Grant Eugene Smith (2009). 

Predeceased by her sister, the late Hazel Handsor and her husband Garnet, and her brother, the late Raymond Starks. Also predeceased by her brother-in-law, the late Bev Smith and her sister-in-law, the late Etta Mae Smith. 

Blanche is reunited with her special nieces, Bonnie (Handsor) Robbins, Donna Jean Handsor and Karen (Sumarah) Smith. 

Aunt and Great-Aunt to a host of nieces and nephews. Devoted cousin and friend to many. 

Blanche was a faithful and lifelong member of the Community of Christ Church. She was an avid crocheter, enjoyed mall walking with her friends and could often be found in her garden, tending to her flowers. She was a hard worker as a labourer with the Canadian Canners for many years. Blanche was a wonderful story teller and loved to share her knowledge of the family history, as well as fond memories of years gone by, over a cup of tea. She will be greatly missed by many. 

A special thank you is extended to all of the staff at the Chatham Retirement Resort for their care and compassion for Aunt Blanche during her time there, as well as to the staff at McKinlay Funeral Home for their assistance with the arrangements. 

Family to receive friends on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm & 7:00 - 9:00 pm at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St, Chatham. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday at the Funeral Home. Burial to follow in Dresden Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Blanche may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith - 2 Timothy 4:7

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street.
Chatham
519 351 2040