Obituary of Sonya L. Smye

Smye Sonya Louise (nee Barlow) R.N. B.A.Passed away peacefully at The Waterford, Oakville on Monday, March 9, 2020 in her 79th year. Beloved wife and best friend of Jack Smye for 55 years. Loving mother of Stephen (Stacey), and Lynne Rosenberger (Tim). Much loved grandma to Natalie, Aithne, and Claire. Dear sister of Margaret White (Bill), Paul Barlow (Anne), Robert Barlow (Deborah), and Cindy Eng (Ralph Torchia) and sister-in-law of Brad Whittaker (Cindy), Jim Smye (Sharon), Karen Brun (Gaspare), and Susan Smye. Predeceased by her parents Cecil and Mildred Barlow (nee Tate), infant brother Richard Michael, and sister-in-law Irma Whittaker. Sonya will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place.Family and friends may call at Glen Oaks Funeral Home, 3164 Ninth Line, Oakville (905-257-8822) on Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Sonya's life will be held at St. Simon's Anglican Church of Oakville, 1450 Litchfield Road, Oakville, on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Sonya Smye (nee Barlow) was a remarkable, talented woman. In her teen years, she worked at Hamilton’s Kay Penny Florists as a flower arranger, a gift she enjoyed and shared throughout most of her life. She was also an accomplished seamstress, making many clothes, costumes, and gifts for her family and friends.In 1964, Sonya graduated from the Hamilton General Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a Registered Nurse for thirty-three years, starting her career in Kitchener while husband Jack was completing his degree. She then dedicated the next twenty-one years to working on the maternity ward at the Henderson Hospital, delighting in the births of thousands of babies. After relocating to Indiana, she then finished her career working as a licensed Public Health nurse. She was particularly proud that at the age of 58, she earned her BA from the University of Waterloo. Sonya’s faith was an integral part of her identity, guiding her selfless involvement in church and community throughout her life. It was through the Anglican Young People’s Association (AYPA) that she first met Jack, whom she married five years later. Wherever she found herself, she was an involved and active parishioner, developing strong bonds with the communities at Holy Saviour in Waterloo, St. Stephen’s-on-the-Mount in Hamilton, Holy Trinity Episcopal in Bloomington, and St. Simon’s in Oakville. Notably, she happily served as the Primary Sunday School Superintendent at St. Stephen’s for over twenty years. Moreover, she was a strong advocate for the Mountain Fund to Help the Boat People, sponsoring many families displaced by the war in Vietnam to come to Canada. Due to her warm and caring nature, friendships developed and blossomed with many of these families, some of whom remain close personal friends to this day.Sonya had many interests and pastimes. Handicrafts were a particular passion, having won many awards for her needlework. She also took great pleasure in decorating fancy cakes and moulding chocolates. In this way, she shared these skills and volunteered thousands of hours to raise significant funds in support of many church, school, and charitable organizations.Sonya was a lifelong lover of the arts, enjoying both concerts and theatrical productions. She actively encouraged and supported her children and grandchildren’s artistic pursuits. In Bloomington, she found her own musical voice, learning to play English Handbells. Upon returning to Canada, she shared her enthusiasm for handbells by founding the Sounds of Simon Melody Chime and English Handbell Choir, serving as its director for many years.Sonya and Jack spent their entire married life camping, upgrading from a leaky tent in the early years – “don’t touch the sides” – to a luxurious motorhome in their retirement. They have visited all ten provinces, one territory, and 48 of the 50 U.S. states. Above all, Sauble Beach was one of Sonya’s favourite camping spots. Family Campers and RVers (FCRV) played an important part in Sonya and Jack’s camping life for over forty years. Despite the onset of dementia roughly seven years ago, Sonya continued to attend FCRV events as recently as October 2019. Through FCRV, they made hundreds of dear friends and acquaintances throughout North America, whose friendship was deeply treasured.Above all, family was Sonya’s greatest joy. She was happiest spending time and sharing her interests with Jack, her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Sonya’s loving touch ensured that family celebrations and holidays were always special.Lastly, many thanks are extended to Sonya’s various caregivers for their compassion and dedication. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Acclaim Health Oakville, Sonya’s homecare Personal Service Workers, the nurses and support staff on Ward 3 South at the Oakville Trafalgar Hospital, as well as the caring staff at the Chartwell Waterford Long Term Care Residence.In lieu of flowers, donations to Acclaim Health Oakville, St. Simon's Sustainability Fund, FCRV/OPA Scholarship Fund, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.glenoaks.ca