Obituary of Odette Maria Smith, New Victoria

New Victoria lost a cherished member of the community when Odette Smith (nee Hamilton) peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at the Cove Guest Home at the age of 94.  Born in River Herbet on June 3, 1924, she moved to the community in 1945 and raised her family there with her husband Elliott. They married on July 3, 1944 in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Having a father who was in the army required frequent moves in childhood and shortly after marrying Elliott it was decided to move to New Victoria where, finally, she was home to stay.

Fearless, she had a style that was truly her own and a zest for life.  A hairdresser by trade, she received her certificate after graduating high school.  Always steadfast and determined, she always was able to achieve her goals. She worked at Ernastine’s Hair in New Waterford before she converted the little sunporch in their home into a salon.  Fond memories were made there and it was a frequent meeting place in New Victoria.  Eventually, she partnered with another stylist and started her own business in Whitney Pier where she continued to trail blaze. In 1972, her older son, Wayne, was seriously injured in a life altering car accident in Ontario. She handled this with the same grace and determination as she always had all challenges in her past. With Elliott at her side, they supported their son for the rest of his life, giving him dignity and the ability to live a full life until he passed in 2009 at the age of 64.

Not one to sit still, she enjoyed many activities including gardening, sketching and bowling.  She especially enjoyed baseball and recruited community members to start an all-female team. Fondly named “Osie” by Elliott, they enjoyed 74 years of marriage and were extremely active. Dancing was a passion for the radiant couple. They were regulars at dances at the Polish Village in Whitney Pier and many other venues around the island where many long lasting friendships were made. Skating was also a passion and she skated at The New Waterford rink and on the outdoor rink in New Victoria where she showed off her exceptional skating skills in her black racers. She loved the outdoors and she and Elliot camped throughout Inverness County for many years in their little tent trailer, rain or shine.  She was a gifted baker and took pride in teaching her granddaughters, Crystal and Cherie, the craft. First thing on Saturday mornings, racing gloves on, in her 1973 Dodge Charger, she picked them up ready for her eager students.

Odette was predeceased by her parents, Andrew Hamilton and Odette Hamilton (nee Debreucq); sister, Marion and son, Wayne.

Lovingly remembered by her husband, Elliott; son, Cordell (Barbara); grandchildren, Crystal (Fred), Cherie(Kenny), Cordell Jr. (Nicole), Rhonda, Debbie, Dwayne (Michelle); great-grandchildren, Tyler, Ellie Rose, Everett, Melissa, Deanna, David, Matt and Miranda; sister, Antoinette (Jack, deceased); nephews and nieces, Keith (Jane), Brian (Patsy), Andrew (Becky) and Guy; Adam, Matthew, Lauralee, Cindy and David.

Special thanks to all of the staff of The Cove for your outstanding care, grace and dedication during a difficult time for our family. Thank you for making her journey dignified and gentle. Your acts of humanity and service will be forever remembered.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Service will be held at Calvin United Church on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery, Scotchtown, with a luncheon to follow in the Rev. Duncan Roach Fellowship Room. Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.