Berndina Johanna 'Dini' Smits
Born In: Didam Gelderland Netherlands
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: January 12th, 2015
It is with heavy hearts that we the family announce the sudden passing of Berndina Johanna 'Dini' Smits, which occurred Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Didam, Gelderland Netherlands in March. She was the daughter of the late Hendrikus and Johanna Wanders.
Dini loved to knit and crochet, but most of all she truly loved her game of Bingo. She loved to spend most of her time with her family and grandchildren, and later in life with her great-grandchildren. Dini was a mother image to a lot of children for whom she babysat, cared, and fostered.
Dini resided with Patricia, Jerry and Peter Michael, until the time of her moving to Harbourstone Enhanced Care Center, where she had resided until the time of her death.
Dini is survived by her daughter, Jenny (the late John) Stech, Jacksonville, Florida, Edna (Paul) McCulloch, Chance Harbour, Jerry (Patricia) Smits, Sydney, Marryann (Ivan) MacAulay, New Waterford. Dini was also survived by her grandchildren, Billy, Johanna, Stephen, Sandra, Hilary, Emily, and Peter. Mom was also survived by her great-grandchildren, Thomas, Yvonne and Kearah.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Peter Albert Smits, of 55 years, in 2008. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her granddaughter, Angela Marie Smits, in 2004, and son-in-law, John Stech, Florida, Dec. 2014. Dini was also predeceased by her brothers, Theodorus, Gerardus, Wilhelmus and Hendricus, all of Holland.
Visitation for Dini, will be held on Wednesday, Jan.14, 2015, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. Luncheon to follow the service.
Donations can be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation, or the Palliative Care Unit, CBRH.
Online condolences may be sent to our web page at www.chantfuneralhome.com.
