December 14, 2020
1940-2020 ~ It is with heavy hearts and that we announce the passing of Judy Elizabeth Smith (n茅e Cranston) on December 14, 2020.
Born in Vancouver in 1940, Judy married Geoff Smith in 1963 and they had 3 sons.
She is remembered by her sons Derek (Bridget), Ian (Jenny), and Kevin (Annie) as well as six grandchildren: Jessica, Peter, Caitlin, Beatrice, Noah, and Isiah, who loved their Grandmother as she did them, "to the moon and back".
Coming from a career in education, Judy led hundreds of Okanagan Valley students to explore the Mediterranean aboard the S.S. Uganda which offered marvellous educational cruises in the late 70s. This sparked a rewarding career in travel through which she developed many long-lasting friendships.
Judy was never a tourist when she travelled, and inspired her groups to share her perceptions of the world through the eyes of an inquisitive explorer. She considered Turkey her second home and referred to her friends as her Turkish Family.
She developed a love for all people, cultures & religions & her world view provided great lessons for all who travelled with her. Judy supported the relocation of Syrian refugees, often opening her house to new arrivals & helping with English lessons to ease their transition to Kelowna.
She championed "The Helping Hands", a charity providing an educational program for disadvantaged girls in Turkey, and donated funds for several other worthy causes around the world. Even while battling cancer Judy continued to travel to her favourite places. For her, "a plane ticket was her best medicine".
She was truly grateful to the Hospice Society & for the kind support of nurses, doctors & counsellors who, through MAiD helped her on her last journey. This allowed Judy to fulfill her wish to participate in the celebrations of her life & to depart peacefully on her own terms. Judy loved to be surrounded by flowers. In lieu of flowers please send a donation in Judy's memory to the BC Cancer Foundation.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com