Melba Irene Smith

Born March 12, 1923 and died peacefully August 28, 2025.

She lived the majority of her life in Toronto and moved to Gravenhurst in the early 2000s.

Survived by daughter Anne (Carl) and son Murray, Grandmother to Kelly (Justin). Predeceased by husband Jim, sisters Dorothy, Helen, and brother Tom.

In WW2 she was among the first group of Canadian women to volunteer in the RCAF-WD (Women's Division) and spent the majority of her service in England stationed at Linton-on-Ouse in Yorkshire, England.

A long life gives one the opportunity for many pleasures. Notably she fostered dozens of children over a span of a couple of decades. She spent many summers at the family cottage near Orillia and there were many outings on the local lakes with other "Dippy" club boat owners. Later in life she worked as a teaching assistant at the Toronto School for the Deaf.

Her passion was flowers, anything with bright colours, a wonderful fragrance and beauty which was evident by the countless hours she spent in her garden.

She had a strong faith and was very active in volunteer groups with Glebe Road United Church in Toronto and joined the congregation at Knox Presbyterian when she moved to Gravenhurst.

She loved life with caring and respect for others and enjoyed a large circle of friends.

To honour Melba's wishes, cremation has taken place and her interment will be private.

Memorial contributions in her memory to the Arthritis Society of Canada or the Seeing Eye Dogs would be greatly appreciated.

Arthritis Society: https://arthritis.ca/

Seeing Eye Dogs: https://seeingeye.ca/