It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mrs. Hellen Jean Smith, age 99 years, resident of Southbridge Pinewood announce her peaceful passing on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Her loving son Dale was by her side.
Jean was born on March 11, 1925, in Fort William, ON, to parents Mary and Charles Ionson. She was raised in Kenora and was known for both her academic and athletic abilities. As a young girl, Jean participated in many sports in high school and recounted stories of cross country skiing to school in the winter.
She was an accomplished golfer, tennis player and track and field athlete, with some of her records still standing. In 1942, our Father, Jack Smith took a road trip to Kenora, Ontario with some friends. It was there that he met a lovely young lady named Hellen Jean Ionson.
Although Dad was only planning to stay for a few days, he was so smitten with Mom that he stayed for 2 weeks! The couple continued to write letters to one another while Dad was serving in the Navy during WWII. On September 4, 1948, Jean and Jack were married and happily celebrated almost 72 years together, until Dad’s passing on August 4, 2020. Jack and Jean loved to travel the world, and they did.
When their sons were young, they camped in tents across Canada and ensured that their boys understood the beauty and vastness of this country. They fished on Lake Igamac and many surrounding lakes. Mom would tell us stories of her superior skills as a fisherman, always hauling in the largest catch.
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