Sister Marie Smith

Liturgy of Christian burial for the late Sister Marie Smith, 82, formerly Sister Ann Zita, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, was held January 25 in St. Martha Chapel, Parkland Antigonish, with Father Tom MacNeil officiating. Sister Marie died January 21, 2019, in Mary’s Court, Parkland Antigonish, in the 55th year of her religious Life. Cross bearer at the funeral Mass was Sister Jovita MacPherson. Pall carrier was Donna MacLean. Readers were Lois MacIsaac, Deborah Smith and Anne Smith. Sisters Margaret Ann Fraser and Madeleine LeBorgne presented the offertory gifts. Music was provided by cantor Sister Catherine Ann MacGillivray, pianist Sheila Redden, instrumentalist Sister Florence Kennedy and leader of song Sister Claire MacNeil. Pallbearers were Michael Smith, Melanie Beaton, Shawn MacIsaac, Caroline Gibson, Tyson MacLean and Daniel Smith. Born in Broad Cove, Cape Breton, she was one of 16 children of the late John A. and Catherine (MacDonnell) Smith. She entered the Sisters of St. Martha on September 15, 1961, pronounced her first vows on August 15, 1964, and her perpetual vows on August 15, 1969. Sister Marie spent much of her religious life in education ministry, with the exception of her early years as a Martha, where she worked in the habit department and sewing room and her later years in pastoral ministry. She also ministered at Little Flower Institute in Sydney, caring for the children. Sister Marie graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with bachelor degrees in arts and education in 1976. Her teaching ministry began prior to her entrance. In 1971, she taught in Kamloops, British Columbia. She received professional certificates from the provinces of Alberta and Nova Scotia. Her teaching career brought her to British Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia. Most of her teaching ministry was in the community of St. Andrews, Antigonish County, which was dear to her heart. She was a much-loved educator and is remembered for her gentle and loving approach to her students. Following her retirement from teaching, Sister Marie lived and served in Pictou County, living at Christ the King Convent in Trenton. Her service to the people of this community was untiring, compassionate, and always carried out with grace, and humility. A woman of deep faith, she gave hope and a sense of connection to so many. Her illness facilitated her move to Parkland Antigonish, where she continued to be a model of gospel hospitality to all she encountered. She is survived by four sisters, Donna MacLean, Mary Campbell, Mae Ann Beaton, Kaye Sexton; two brothers, John Harold, Peter; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters, Theresa Ann, Hughena, Margaret; four brothers, James Hugh, Donald Angus, Charlie Angus, Alexander; two children at childbirth. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com