Kathleen Ross Smith Jermey, R.N. Lieut.
“Peace be thine.” In her 99th year on Christmas Day 2013, honouring the life of Kathleen, devoted wife of the late James Delno Jermey. Cherished Mother of Jeanette (Greg Garrett) of Crown Hill, Kathleen “Kay” (Michael Szalay) of Minesing, and Ross (Helen) of Moosehorn, Manitoba. Fondly remembered by stepdaughters Fran (Jermey) Lunn of Orono and Eleanor (Jermey) MacDonald of Orillia. Treasured Grandmother of Sean Garrett and Shannon (Garrett) Daye, James and Heather Meger, and Jennifer, Christopher and William Jermey. Loving Great Grandmother of James Garrett, Matthew and Elizabeth Daye, Jaymeson and Jillian Meger and Jeremy Cryer-Lamontagne. Born in Friockheim (Gaelic translated 'Heather Home'), Scotland, the eldest of eight children, she is survived by sister Elizabeth Borthwick of Perth, Scotland. Predeceased by parents Thomasina and William Smith and siblings William, David, Harry, James, Thomas, and Janette, all of Scotland.
Trained as a Registered Nurse and Midwife at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Kathleen was deployed overseas serving as a Lieutenant in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) for the duration of WWII from 1941 until 1945 with the 100th British Army Hospital of the Army Medical Services (AMS). Posted directly behind the front lines in small canvas tents, Kathleen performed as a triage surgical nurse in Algiers, North Africa and Italy following Allied Forces battles.
Known as “Scotty”, she served her country with grace and valour under the harshest conditions. Kathleen's military service is honoured at the CFB Borden Military Museum and she is also featured in the wartime remembrance book “Fighting for Home and Country” (Federated Woman’s Institutes of Canada).
After the war, Kathleen immigrated to Canada, nursing at the Christie Street Veteran's Hospital (now Sunnybrook Hospital) in Toronto until accepting a position at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie as Obstetrics/Case Room Nurse. As a Registered Scottish Midwife, she delivered many babies if the doctor was detained.
Working side by side with husband Delno, Kathleen raised purebred Holstein dairy cattle on their Oakland Hill Farm (Oro). She was a familiar sight showing cattle, exhibiting knitting and judging home crafts at Ontario Fairs. An accomplished pianist, she enjoyed performing the old Scottish tunes occasionally breaking into the Highland Fling to the delight of her family.
Her kind and gentle manner extended to a teaching position at King George School for Special Needs Children, followed by evening Head Nurse at Grove Park Home caring for the elderly with the same compassion and dignity she bestowed upon all patients who were in her charge.
Known for her tenacious spirit of life, grace and poise, her musicality, remembrances of Kathleen will be lovingly cherished.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. Private family celebration of life. Interment Esson Presbyterian Church, Hawkestone and Meigle, Perthshire, Scotland. If desired, sympathy memorial donations to the I.O.O.F. Nursing Home, Barrie would be greatly appreciated by the family. Condolences may be forwarded through www.steckleygooderham.com
'Twas na her bonnie blue e'e was ruin
Fair tho' she be, that was ne'er my undoin.
'Twas the dear smile when naebody did mind us
'Twas the bewitching, sweet, stoun glance o'kindness.
Scottish Poet; Robbie Burns