Elaine Smith

Gravenhurst, its surrounding communities, and her family mourn the loss of Elaine Smith, who departed from this world on June 7, 2023. Elaine passed peacefully at Andy’s House Hospice in Port Carling, at the age of 94. Elaine’s presence graced the lives of many, and her legacy will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Born October 6, 1928, to August and Anna Wettlaufer, Elaine spent her formative years in Germania, where she blossomed into a remarkable individual with an unwavering dedication to her loved ones and community. When she was just 16, she took a job working as a waitress at Vincent’s Restaurant in Gravenhurst. She would walk or bicycle the 13 miles home on her days off and walk back at the end of the weekend. Elaine demonstrated a deep passion for taking care of others, finding solace in acts of kindness and service. She devoted her time and energy to community organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion and St. James Anglican Church, where she put in many hours serving others whether on the church altar guild, in the church second-hand store or serving meals at the Legion.

Elaine’s love for her family was at the core of her being. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Clarence Smith (Smitty), and together they shared a partnership filled with love, respect, and support. Elaine was a beacon of strength to her children, Jerry (Marjie), Rick (Sherry) and Judy (Gary) Penner, all of whom were able to visit and say goodbye to their mom. She is predeceased by her firstborn, Terry, who went straight to Jesus’ arms at birth.

Elaine is survived by her brother Ken (Carol), her nine grandchildren, Adrienne Wieler, Nathan Smith, Aaron Smith, Carly Smith, Kristi MacDonald, Lainie Brammer, Roy Garth Penner, Shane Penner and Sean Penner. She also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren. To them, she was lovingly known as GG, the best pie maker in the world.

Beyond her service and familial pursuits, Elaine found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She knitted, crocheted, gardened, and baked (many organizations have benefitted from her baking). She had a profound appreciation for nature, spending countless hours tending to her garden, walking, enjoying their cottage on Long Lake and taking long walks. She was also an avid reader and left a trail of Reader’s Digest Condensed Books and any novel by Maeve Binchy. For many years, she also worked with her husband at their side business, Smith’s Inlaid Wooden Novelties.

Elaine enriched her community. Her life will be celebrated at a memorial service at St. James Anglican Church, Gravenhurst, on Monday, June 12, at 11AM.

There will be a visitation Sunday, June 11, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Cavill-Turner Funeral Home in Gravenhurst.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Andy’s House hospice in Port Carling and St. James Anglican Church Gravenhurst.