Cornelia “Kate” Smits Obituary
Peacefully passed away in her 100th year at Victoria Hospital, London on the 1st of April, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Adrian Smits. Dear mother of John (Barbara), Frank (Lynn), Mary Brouwers (Rick Bridgman), and Wilma Comanic. Cherished Oma of Christina Browne (Kevin), Heather, Paul (Lara), Scott (Nikki), Adam, Tammy Squires (Dale), Mike Brouwers (Val), Karen Edgers (David), David Bake (Star), Rachel Bake (Adrian Zylawy), and Andrea Wyatt (Tyler). Kate will be lovingly remembered by her 14 great-grandchildren, her sister Francisca Verbeek (Henk), and many nieces and nephews, both in Holland and Canada.
Kate was born in Holland and immigrated to Canada in 1952, first settling in Petrolia, Ontario before relocating to Oakville, Ontario, where she lived for 60 years. In the late 1960’s Kate and Adrian began a janitorial business, where they worked hard for many years until retiring in the late 1980’s. In her retirement, Kate, with her husband Adrian, walked the entire Bruce Trail in one year at the age of 72. She enjoyed traveling with Adrian, and together they ventured on many road trips across the United States. She also developed a love for playing golf in her senior years. Kate enjoyed playing cards, visiting the casino, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends. Kate made everyone feel welcome and special. She was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held one hour prior (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.) to the funeral service being conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Interment at St. Jude’s Cemetery, Oakville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.