It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mary Stewart Smyth (nee Wilkinson) in her 88th year on Sunday, March 29th, 2020. Mary passed peacefully in her home while listening to her favourite song, surrounded by her family. Mary was born and lived in Toronto. She was a passionate and dedicated teacher for the Toronto Board of Education. Mary was part of the grassroots movement within Special Education and taught for many years in the Learning Centre at Fern Avenue Public School. Mary moved to Guelph four years ago to be closer to her family. Mary was a music lover, history buff, bookworm, animal lover, safekeeper of family history and stories, and an excellent storyteller and writer. She was a fiercely dedicated, supportive and loving grandmother, and was unconditionally and unwaveringly supportive of her daughters and son-in-law, no matter how unconventional or wacky their choices were. Mary was always open minded and embraced new ideas. She was wise and never judgmental of others. Mary was stronger than any of us knew and she was a true survivor. Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband George. She will be greatly missed by her daughters Sheila and Joanne Smyth, and son-in-law Joe Commodari; grandchildren Maryn, Kyra and Oliver Smyth-Commodari; nieces and nephews, and dear friends. Mary was the centre of our tiny family and will be greatly missed and always remembered. Her stories will live on! Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 519-822-0051 or wallcustance.com For those who wish, donations in memory of Mary can be made to Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis. (gwwomenincrisis.org)
