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Deanna Smith
Obituary
Peacefully with family by her side at University Hospital on Friday, September 27, 2024, Deanna Vera Smith, nee Dorkin of London in her 85th year after a sudden illness. She left us on a beautiful day that ended with a glorious sunset- a remarkable show in the sky indicating that her cherished husband Bryan was welcoming her home.
Deanna was the devoted and precious wife of the late Dr. Bryan R.W. Smith (2005). Loving and dedicated mother of Brad (Keri) of London, Jeff (Kathryn) of London and Andrea ‘Andi’ (Kevin Jolliffe) of Stouffville. Proud and doting grandmother of Ryan (Dina) and Trent (Claire), Rebecca and Pierce, and Hunter and Hayden. Dear sister of Ken Dorkin (Marnie) of British Columbia, Allen Dorkin (Eleanor) of Toronto, and Sandy Howland (the late Bob) of Stouffville. Predeceased by her adoring mother Vera Mae Dorkin and father George Albert Dorkin and her beloved brother-in-law Douglas Smith and his wife Sylvia. Deeply treasured by many nieces and nephews and cherished friends.
Deanna was born and raised in Toronto. She attended Maurice Cody Junior public school and Northern Secondary high school in Toronto. She met the love of her life Bryan at The Dominion store at Eglinton and Bayview where they both worked as teens. Bryan and Deanna were a true love story that spanned over 5 decades. They started their married life together in Toronto while Bryan attended the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry and eventually moved to London Ontario to raise their family. London was the city Bryan and Deanna chose for Bryan to practice as an orthodontist. For over 30 years he ran his specialty orthodontic clinic at Richmond and Oxford in London with Deanna by his side. Deanna was a huge supporter of Bryan’s practice, and her involvement contributed to his success and designation as a long-standing respected member of the London dental community. She ran his business behind the scenes as his bookkeeper and participated in all office events and created lifelong strong bonds with Bryan’s team who were incredibly dedicated to him and his patients. Deanna also ran their family home in Sherwood Forest with precision and style. She never complained about keeping their family home clean, neat and tidy and relished in having an impeccable home. Deanna was a stellar host and treated every family dinner as a Sunday dinner. Her cooking and baking were enjoyed by all especially her shortbread which she made every Christmas. Bryan and Deanna were an infectious, enthusiastic couple and were very social and the life of the party. They were always together and had very close connections with elementary and high school friends, with Bryan’s dental and orthodontic school classmates from the University of Toronto, with their neighbours in Sherwood Forest, and with fellow members of The London Hunt Club and Quail Ridge Golf Community in Florida. Deanna has a lifelong bond with her best friend Diana Christopher, with whom she spoke and visited often, right up to the end. Bryan and Deanna loved to travel and traveled the world with friends and family over the years. They had a love of skiing, and the family rejoiced in the yearly family and friends’ trips to Vail, Colorado and to Sugarloaf, New Hampshire. The family had a memorable ski trip to France when the kids were in high school when they were thrilled to ski into three different countries in one day. Deanna was a competitive athlete and excelled in golf and tennis but also loved her card games including bridge. The grandchildren have fond memories of her teaching them card games especially Kings in the Corner and she never let them win (a good lesson to learn). Deanna was a lifelong fan and supporter of her children and grandchildren’s sports teams whether on the ice, court, field or pitch. She was a very patient person and could sit for hours working on a complicated puzzle as well as relaxing while reading a good book or watching a movie. Bryan and Deanna built a summer cottage together on Lake Muskoka when their family was young. They spent many summers cooking fancy summer meals (butterfly lamb on the BBQ), day boat trips on Lake Muskoka and hosting family and friends. Deanna always insisted on having guests at the cottage and had the guest rooms prepared with fresh sheets and towels and flowers from the garden, a five-star experience. She was the quintessential host and always supported Bryan’s love of a party and gathering. Eventually the cottage was sold and a new chapter with Bryan started in 1999 with the purchase of their Florida condo at Quail Ridge, Boynton Beach. They were both active in golf, cards and the art club while spending their winters in Florida.
Despite losing her love Bryan 19 years ago, she kept her chin up and kept herself busy. Deanna was a confident person who always saw the silver lining and helped others at times of need and kept the train on the tracks. She continued to visit their place in Florida for many years after Bryan’s passing, where she became very active in the choir as she loved to sing.
Deanna was a person of deep faith and spirituality; she was a long-time member of Metropolitan United Church in London. She enjoyed the Sunday services for the social connection and participated in events at the church.
Deanna will be remembered as the classy and put together lady that she was. She never left the house without her coordinated outfits and was always polite and courteous to all. She was generous and thoughtful and celebrated all of life’s events to the fullest. Deanna had a laugh that would brighten a room. She was a true and committed wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will be deeply missed.
Please join the family to celebrate Deanna. She would love to know you were all getting together to celebrate family and friendship in her honour. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday November 10, 2024, from 2-4 pm at the London Hunt and Country Club.
A private family interment will occur.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the London Diabetes Education Centre (through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation) and to the London Children’s Health Foundation are greatly appreciated and welcomed.
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2024
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario
death notice Deanna Smith 2024
obituaries notice Deanna Smith 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Deanna Smith 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
