SMITS, Rhodena

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Rhodena Smits on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at her residence in the Cove Guest Home, Sydney.

Born August 24, 1929, in Silver Mine, NS, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Florence MacDonald, the fifth of nine children.

In 1957, she married Gradus Smits and from 1961-2010, they resided in Prime Brook, where they raised three children.

Rhodena worked at many places including, the Diana Sweets in 1947 to her last job, on the housekeeping staff of Braemore Home, retiring in 1986. After retirement, she became a babysitter for Mike and Delores Hennick and often remarked that their children made her feel young again.

Rhodena is survived by her son, Graham (Catherine) MacLean; daughter, Patricia (Darrell) Sutherland; brothers, Aubrey and Murray MacDonald; sister, Thelma Pronk; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-greatgrandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Barbara; son-in-law, Louis MacDonald; brothers, Donald A. and Gordon MacDonald; sisters, Margaret Stewart, Edith Betts and Sarah MacKeigan.

Thanks to the staff of the Cove Guest Home for allowing Patricia and her granddaughter, Sarah to remain with her 24 hours a day for the last few remaining days of her life. She transitioned from this world with all her dignity, peacefully holding her daughter’s hand in the comfort of her own room.

Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, February 13 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday, February 14 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Thomas Whent officiating, assisted by Pastor Rob Jones.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your own choice.

Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www. sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ ns.sympatico.ca.