Fundraiser for children of St. Catharines homicide victim
Deidra Ann Smith loved nothing more than to curl up, snuggle and eat junk food with her three daughters.
The 35-year-old St. Catharines woman was very family-oriented, her sister Tammy Hulme says. “They were her whole world.” The girls, aged 9, 12 and 14, are now trying to cope with the loss of their mom, who was killed last month near Haliburton in what police say was a double homicide.
The family is still trying to process the nightmare they’re been living since a detective showed up at the door with impossible news.
“It’s very surreal,” Hulme says. “You never think something like this would touch your family. It’s movie quality.”
Smith’s family and friends are holding a fundraiser that’s open to everyone this Sunday in Thorold for her daughters Emma, KoraLynn and Victoria. The family has also set up a bank account for the girls at the suggestion of friends who wanted to find a way to help.
Sister Tasha Davidson says Deidra loved being with her kids. She was fearless, loud and loyal, Davidson says.
“She loved fiercely.”
Hulme says if Deidra had a big heart and definitely did things her way, to the beat of her own drum.
Her motto was taken from Winnie the Pooh — when life throws you a rainy day, play in the puddles. “That’s how she was,” Hulme says.
“She’d take all the kids and dance in the rain,” Davidson adds.
Smith was born in St. Catharines and was raised in Merritton, attending Merritton High School. She has a third sister, Tara, a brother Daniel and stepbrother Larry.
“She was the baby of us girls,” Hulme says. “Absolutely beautiful.”
Smith turned 35 on Dec. 31 and was living in the Western Hill area. On Jan. 21, her body and that of 34-year-old Ghislain (Justin) Robichaud of St. Catharines were found in Highlands East Township by a resident there.
The Ontario Provincial Police Haliburton Highlands crime unit is investigating.
The sisters say friends of the family have really stepped up, helping with funeral costs and the upcoming fundraiser for the girls.
Hulme says one of her nieces is living with her and the other two are with their paternal grandmother nearby. It’s just sinking in for them that their mom isn’t coming back.
“Our main focus is the three girls for now.”