With sadness and gratitude for her life and love we announce the passing of Margarete Gertrud Smith (nee Bartenstein), age 86, in St. John’s on Monday, November 2, 2020. She is predeceased by her husband Frank, parents Johann and Sofia, sisters Hilde, Maria, Lydia, and Frieda, and brothers Paul and Heinrich. Mourning her are her children Arthur (Shelly) and Sara (Paul), grandchildren Benjamin (Andressa), Elizabeth, Joshua, Russell, Hazel, and Ezekiel, her brother Martin (Ursula), nieces and nephews, and her many friends.
Born in Sulzdorf an der Lederhecke, Bavaria, Germany, she attended the University of London where she earned a degree in French studies, later receiving a PhD from the same institution. She married and moved with Frank, first briefly to Louisiana, then to St. John’s where they made a home for over 50 years and lovingly raised their children. She taught for about 30 years in the French department at MUN, and always enjoyed seeing her former students and colleagues in later years. She shared a love of gardening with her husband and collected and tended a variety of beautiful flowers and other plants, including vegetables and berries that fed the family for much of the year.
After her husband’s passing in 2018 Margarete remained in the family home, with regular visits from children and grandchildren. The family greatly appreciates so many friends and neighbours who helped her during this time, with special thanks to Christina and Darryl. Her declining health brought her to the Health Sciences Centre, and we thank the staff there for tending to her and keeping her comfortable during these last few weeks. Following her wishes there will be no funeral service.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Margarete Gertrud Smith nee Bartenstein September 4 1934 to November 2 2020..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N