June 3, 1950 – November 19, 2025
Gloria was born in Dawson Creek and grew up in Fort St. John. She spent her teen years in Langley. At a young age Gloria accepted Jesus as her Savior. Although at times she drifted away, her faith remained an anchor deep in her soul.
She chose a career in nursing and studied in Vancouver. Her work took her from Vancouver to Fort St. John and then back to the lower mainland. Many of those years she worked as a single mother while raising her daughter Jenna.
In Fort Langley she met Dean Smith, the love of her life. They were married in March 1990 and raised Jenna, and later Jenna’s children, together.
After a long career, in late 2016, Gloria retired from her career as director of care at the Northcrest Care Centre in North Delta.
Gloria and Dean had many friends. Gloria’s faith had been reawakened and she returned to church in Langley. She made sure her grandchildren had the opportunity to attend Sunday School and she became involved in the church again. Gloria was outgoing and fun to be with. She was an excellent entertainer and their home was always warm and welcoming and often full of friends.
After their retirement, in 2016, they bought a house on Salt Spring Island. A year later they moved full time to the island with their three youngest grandchildren. They kept close connections to many of their mainland friends.
In late 2017, Gloria had a heart attack, and due to failing health, Gloria and Dean sadly had to give up caring for their young grandchildren. Fortunately the children were welcomed into the loving arms of Gloria’s godson, Fleming, and his wife Vanessa. The children left the island to begin life in a new stable family in Prince George. This was a difficult decision for Gloria and Dean but they wanted the best for their grandchildren. Although they missed the little ones terribly they did what they felt was best.
Both Gloria and Dean loved island life. Gloria often said retirement was the best part of her life. She loved the island, its pace and its people, and whenever she had to leave she couldn’t wait to get back. Dean and Gloria turned down opportunities to travel. They said it took so long for them to arrive on the island why would they leave?
Both Gloria and Dean became active volunteers in the community. Gloria was already a member of Community Gospel Chapel and she became more involved, participating in home groups, special events and hospitality.
Because Gloria was an excellent cook and loved to try new recipes, a neighbour invited her to volunteer at Salt Spring Seniors Services lunch program. Soon Gloria was preparing lunches monthly and doing dishes on the other weeks. She made it seem fun!
A compassionate heart led Gloria to volunteer with the Salt Spring Ambassadors program. She donned her green vest regularly and walked about town being friendly and helping people. She was a natural ambassador!
Gloria had a special place in her heart for the under-housed community and soon she was feeding them once a week and recruiting others to do the same. She was a strong supporter of the Hearth, an outreach to the under housed community.
Gloria attended Van Isle Camps Farthest Out, a Christian camping organization. She loved the people and the time away to be in God’s presence. She soon volunteered to be on the council ring helping to organize camps, lead drama sessions, run the dining room and lead prayer groups. This year she also joined the board of Greenwoods Eldercare Society.
Gloria had many friends who enjoyed her friendship and wonderful hospitality. She was kind and compassionate to many. She was bright, funny and sassy! She was a joy to know.
Gloria is survived by her loving husband Dean Smith, her daughter Jenna, grandchildren Donovan (Stevie), Hunter, Mila and Daxton, (Fleming and Vanessa), her great granddaughter Mara, and siblings Betty (Mark), and Glen (Pam).
Gloria was a treasure to all who knew her. She will be missed. It will be very hard to fill her shoes. If we could hear Gloria now she would tell us she is ‘groovy’. She never wanted to linger in ill health and now she is home in heaven.
There will be a celebration of life in the New Year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hearth society for mental wellness. E-transfer to chuansociety@gmail.com and use ‘Warmth’ as the answer to the security question.
Gloria will be interred at the Salt Spring Island Natural Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held on January 31, 2026 at Community Gospel Chapel, on Salt Spring Island.