Obituary of Olive "Duddy" Smith, Reserve Mines

It is with profound sadness that we the family announce the passing of Olive “Duddy” Smith, age 86 of Reserve Mines on March 25, 2025 at home with her loving family by her side.

Olive was born on February 11, 1939 in Glace Bay NS, and lived a very fulfilling 86 years. Olive was the daughter of the late Oliver and Melvie (Wilkinson) Barrett.

She was the wife of Neil George “Hector” Smith, whom she shared her family with until he passed in 1977. She then met her common law husband James “Uncle” Marsh, who she shared her life with until 2022 when he passed.

She was predeceased by her brothers Harry Barrett, Jimmy Barrett & Silby (Sharon) Barrett, sister Shirley (Charlie) Cooper, brothers in law Gordon MacDonald and Ronnie Petite, daughter in law Anne Smith and her beloved fur baby Cooper, who we know was waiting for her for that game of catch. Olive lived an exceptional life, filled with love and laughter.

Left to mourn her are her sons Melvin, Dominion, George (Annette) Reserve Mines, Charlie (Corry) Dominion, Jimmie (Keitha) Glace Bay, daughters Sandra, Reserve Mines and Karen (Tommy) Glace Bay, sisters Yvonne Petite, Emily Hawco, Eunice (Steve) Thomas, Sylvia Barrett, Mary MacDonald and Debbie Quito,16 grand children Cheryl, Julie, Steven, Amy, Chad, Cody, Riley, George, Ryan, Brianna, Melanie, Jenna, Tyler, Logan, Darren and Liam.

Also surviving are her 12 great grandchildren Austin, Emma, Faith, Hanna, Charley, Bryar, Taylor, Brooklyn, Leah, Lexi, Lyla, Jaxon, and 2 great great grandchildren Colby and Jackson. Also left to mourn are several nieces and nephews and cousins who will miss her dearly, also close friend Paul Pitchuk who spent many hours sitting with mom.

In her early years Mom took pride in owning her own taxi, making sure many nurses in Reserve Mines made it to the hospital in snow storms. She worked various jobs over the years, GI plant, fish plant, bakeries and was the groundskeeper at Reserve District High and lastly working at BP’s main stop in Reserve. Mom was an avid bingo player and could always be found in her spot at numerous halls. She also enjoyed bowling and played on the woman’s leagues at Heather Lanes and Knox Hall. Mom was a valued member of the Ladies Auxiliary and the church choir at St. Joseph’s parish in Reserve Mines for many years. She was well known in the community for her baking and cooking skills and spent countless hours preparing for many functions for friends and family.

Mom loved the holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween. She took pride in decorating for both occasions, and took every opportunity to spoil her babies. Her legacy will live on in the memories she provided us with. More recently mom wasn’t able to enjoy many of her favorite past times, so she could often be found swinging on the step, getting after her fur babies Libby and Beau and listening to her music while playing the spoons, and when it was too cold, she loved a good laugh watching All in the family, Three’s company and Mrs. Browns boys. Her quick wit and sense of humour was second to none!

The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone that helped with her care especially the VON and palliative teams. To our friend John Mullaly for coming to Mom with your music, you helped us create many great memories in a very difficult time. Lastly, us siblings want to send a special thank you to Sandra for taking mom in, and providing her with exceptional care for the last 3 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia. We will forever cherish the love and laughter you brought to our lives.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 28^th from 2-4, 7-9 pm in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay.

The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 29^th at 11 am in Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport followed by a reception at the Reserve Mines Pensioners Club. Interment at a later date in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Fr. Dan Boudreau presiding.

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit: www.vjmcgillivray.ca