Edith Marie (Beckwith) Smith

Edith, was born on March 14, 1928 in Frankfort, New York.   Edith was predeceased by her husband George Francis Smith, mother Laura Speece Beckwith and father Horatio Elting Beckwith, her sister Jane, her two brothers Harry and Ted, son in law Kurt Campbell-Mueller and infant great grandson Jacob Smith.  She is survived by all of her eleven children and their spouses, 18 grand children and their spouses, and 14 great grand children, 2 great great grand children and sisters in laws, nieces and nephews.

Edith met her husband George at 19 while attending college at Albright Knox Art School at the University of Buffalo.  They married and went on to have six daughters and 5 sons. Edith and George were introduced to Madonna House and Cana Colony by Fr. Robert Kanka. For several summers the Smith family took part in week long vacations in Combermere and grew to love the community. 

In the early 1970’s, at the age of 42, Edith moved to her beloved “Grandmas Creek Farm”.  Edith was an avid gardener, artist, mother and home maker. She taught art at St Marys High School for a few semesters.  She was involved with the Holy Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church in Combermere.  For years her voice could be heard singing in the choir.  She also had close friendships with Madonna House staff including the founding Barroness, and Father Joe Raya.

Most of her closest friends predeceased Edith.  Blanche Lepinski, Betty Drevinoik, Gloria Duseault,  Dorothy Bandemere, Anna Howlett and Una Coughlin were among her closest friends. Edith remembered them often.  Some of her close friends Alma and Sandra from St. Joe's, Lois and Bob Probert, and Ann Madill enjoyed playing cards and Scrabble with Mom.  Edith was very competitive when playing board games.  There was only one thing she liked more in this world than playing games that was winning! 

What might you attribute to Edith’s long and healthy life?  She prided herself on being a Pescatarian.  She ate a plant based diet with fish, she did yoga, she enjoyed close social ties.  She loved culture, and with George taught her children that you find the best music, food, dance and art when in culture.  She never lost her interest in learning.  Her favorite poem was by R Kipling “If”.

Edith Beckwith Smith died peacefully with her loving family and friends by her side. The Smith family would like to pay a special debt of gratitude to Bernie and Jane Smith & family.  They worked tirelessly giving mom loving care and support through out her life and with personal care in her final years. 

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the staff and volunteers with the Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care Program and the staff of St Francis Memorial Hospital.

The family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.