Obituary of Marlene Smith

SMITH – Amy “Marlene” (nee Lawton) of St. Thomas passed away at her home on Monday, July 25, 2022 at the age of 83.  Marlene is predeceased by her husband Kenneth Smith (2017).  Marlene will be sadly missed by her children; Sherry Johnstone (Rob), Stuart (Kevin) Smith (Kelly) and Scott Smith. Grandmother to Sheryl Haaijema (Marcel), Steve Johnstone, Chris Jacobs (Aubrey). Great Grandchildren; Liara Jacobs.  Missed by siblings late Don Lawton (Bev) and Alex (Joan) Lawton; sisters-in-law Shirley Bobier (Norm) and Sharon Marshall.  Marlene will be sadly missed by many cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be especially missed by two special people in her life, Tucker Johnstone and Art Young.  Marlene and Ken retired from farming and moved to St. Thomas in 1976 where they owned and operated Matthews Trailer Sales for several years.  Marlene enjoyed going to their Florida home in the winters. In Florida Marlene would spend many times travelling with her band “The Golden Girls” to her music gigs, with Ken as her “roadie”. They enjoyed many years of golfing with their friends mostly at Pleasant Valley in St. Thomas.  After retirement in 1987 they took temporary residence at their cottage in Nipissing where they enjoyed the northern life including spending time with friends. Marlene loved spending time in her gardens. They finally settled on Sparta Line (between Union & Sparta) where Marlene could be closer to her family again and setting up more gardens. She loved connecting with friends, spending time in her gardens and with her cats whom she so loved. She enjoyed 5-pin bowling in a women’s league in St. Thomas. She had so much fun and also frustrating times with the game but enjoyed the friends she made, the many laughs, telling her jokes and especially the costume days. Many will remember seeing her in her vehicle with licence plate “Pooped” with her friend “Ethel” in the back seat. Many will remember the get-togethers at Tim Hortons as well..she loved those times. Playing cards at the Gagne playhouse next door to her residence was also something she always looked forward to especially if she was winning. Many will remember her fashion sense along with the jewellery accessories. All her life she most enjoyed played the piano and entertaining people with her gift. She loved the many music jams sharing her music with other musicians. She most wished that her music would be her legacy. In Marlene’s life many lasting friends and memories were made and were special to her.  Visitation will be held at Shawn Jackson Funeral Home 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519-631-0570) on Monday, August 1, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with a celebration of Marlene’s life to be held at the Masonic Centre of Elgin, 42703 Fruit Ridge Line, St Thomas at 1:00 p.m.  Interment in Union Cemetery following the funeral service.  Donations can be made to Animal Aide or the Canadian Cancer Society and are appreciated.  Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.ca