Smith, Vera Louise (nee Cork) 1930-2018
At peace with her Lord Jesus, Vera passed away in her 88th year, January 21, 2018, at the Toronto Sunnybrook Hospital's palliative care unit. Precious wife to Don Smith since 1958, and lovingly missed by her daughter Karen Cronkwright (Steve) and son Andrew Lunau Smith (Tonya). Cherished by granddaughters Jennifer (Chris) and Emma. Dear to in-laws, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Stanley and Winifred Cork, and her brothers Ron Cork (Betty) and Ray Cork (Jean).
Vera was born February 13, 1930, in Kingston, Ontario. Deaf since birth, Vera attended the Ontario School for the Deaf in Belleville, Ontario. She fondly remembered summer breaks spent at Camp Petawawa, her father having served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Vera worked as a clerk typist in Toronto, then a devoted homemaker. A faithful member of the Toronto Evangelical Church of the Deaf, Vera supported many projects and programs aimed at encouraging the Deaf community. Vera volunteered many hours at the Ontario Camp of the Deaf. Vera and Don retired to Waterloo, Ontario in 1988, and she was involved with Gospel Deaf Fellowship. Then in 2016 they returned to Toronto and moved into the Bob Rumball Center for the Deaf. Through her years she has said goodbye to many family and friends; now she will be missed by many others.
Vera's family wishes to thank the staff at the Bob Rumball Center for the Deaf, Toronto, for friendly and special care. Also kind thanks to many doctors over the years, including Dr. Joseph Lee and Dr. Claus Rinne in Kitchener, and more recently Dr. David Shergold in Toronto, and Dr. Debbie Selby and the palliative care team at Sunnybrook.
A private family burial at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo, will take place. A celebration of life service will be planned this spring at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Bob Rumball Canadian Center of Excellence for the Deaf, Diabetes Canada, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Henry Walser Funeral Home (519) 749-8467. Visit www.henrywalser.ca to view Vera's memorial