Vonnie Marie Smith (nee Davis), aka Wones/ Wonesy, of Orillia Ontario passed away suddenly on July 6, 2023, two weeks shy of her 89th birthday (July 20, 1934). Mom/Wones, the matriarch of the Smith Clan, was dearly loved and will be forever missed by her four children, Judy (Marty), Cory (Doug), Cindy and Randy (Cori). Family was always something Wones was most proud of, especially her 8 grandchildren, Cameron (Bridget), Andrew (Jessie), Darren (Emily), Rob (Kim), Kate, Kealii, Ashtyn (Jacob) and Brooklyn (Cole) and 6 great-grandchildren, Davis, Freddie, Isla, Pearl, Damon and Paisley.
Predeceased by her loving husband (Barry, 1933-2010) of 54 years, the mixed doubles dynamic duo of Wones and Yogi are reunited once more. Also, re-united with her Mummmmmy (Marie, 1893-1993) and Daddy (Wed, 1884-1951) as well as her son-in-law, Marty (1959-2023) and long-time friend, ‘Harry-O’ (June), we promise that the Smith-Browne tradition will carry on as we honour and celebrate our Wones.
Top ranked Junior tennis player in her day and very proud master points bridge player, Wones touched everyone with her quick wit, kind heart and feisty nature. Vonnie was also a lover of the arts and could receit Shakespeare like no other. She was an exceptional pianist and violinist, being one of the youngest musicians to play with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in the early 1950's. Stubborn ‘til the end, she fought for as long as possible before leaving us with peace in her heart and love in her soul…no longer in pain, and never a burden, Mom spent her final few days in her own personal ‘paradise’ – her back veranda on Lake Couchiching watching Wimbledon.
“This day I breathed first: time is come round, and where I did begin there shall I end; My life is run his compass.” (William Shakespeare – Hamlet).
The family will receive family and friends at the Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Home 54 Coldwater Street E., Orillia, Ontario 705-326-3595on Thursday July 13, 2023 from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. A Memorial Service will be held at St. James’ Anglican Church on Friday July 14, 2023 at 11 A.M. Interment of cremated remains to follow at St. Andrew’s St. James’ Cemetery, Orillia.
For those who wish, donations can be made to LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society (longrunretirement.com)
All are welcome to join the family for an informal social gathering at Wones’ personal paradise…. her home on the water, following the burial.
Online Messages of Condolence are welcome at www.CarsonFuneralHomes.com