Sister Marie Smith
Passed on: January 21st, 2019
Sister Marie Smith, 82, formerly Sister Ann Zita, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died at Mary’s Court, Parkland Antigonish on Monday, January 21, 2019 in the 55th year of her Religious Life. Born in Broad Cove, Cape Breton, NS, Sister Marie was one of 16 children of the late John A. and Catherine (MacDonnell) Smith.
Sr. Marie entered the Sisters of St. Martha on Sept 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, BC. She received professional certificates from the Provinces of Alberta and Nova Scotia. Her teaching career brought her to three provinces, 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.
Sister Marie is survived by sisters, Donna MacLean, Mary Campbell, Mae Ann Beaton, and Kaye Sexton, and by brothers, John Harold and Peter.
Besides her parents, Sister was predeceased by sisters, Theresa Ann, Hughena, and Margaret, and by brothers, James Hugh, Donald Angus, Charlie Angus, Alexander and two children at childbirth.
She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was devoted to her family, and they to her.
The remains will be resting at Martha Place, Parkland Antigonish, beginning Thursday afternoon January 24, 2019 at 1:15 pm, where a Celebration of Vigil will be held that same evening at 7 pm. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 25 at 1:30 p.m. in St. Martha Chapel, Parkland Antigonish.
Arrangements are under the direction of CL Curry Funeral Services, Antigonish, N.S.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com.
