Peacefully passed with family by her side at the Allandale Station Retirement Residence on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at the age of 86. Beloved wife of Douglas for over 67 years. Loving mother of Warren McKenzie(Jocelyn), Wayne McKenzie (Nancy), Ruth-Ann Langman (Joe), Catherine Jandl (Klaus), Sharlene Collins (Rob) and Karen Byl (Kevin). Proud grandmother of 17 and great grandmother of 26. Predeceased by her parents Walter and Mae Smith and her siblings Gordon Smith, Albert Smith, Eileen Vickery, Ellamae Jones and Margaret Dorey. Vera will be sadly missed by extended family members and dear friends.
Vera was born in Etobicoke and was the last of 6 children to Walter and Mae Smith. She met and married Doug and shortly after moved to the farm in Egbert where they raised 6 children. She was an amazing wife and Mom. She drove school bus for 23 years in order to pay for an inground pool to keep her children busy and entertained. In retirement they sold the farm and moved to Muskoka and enjoyed life there until they moved back to Barrie where they volunteered for Red Cross and delivered Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed crocheting and making sock monkeys for many of her great grandchildren.
She loved Jesus and attended church regularly her whole life and was involved in many areas of church, especially playing the piano or organ. She loved hymns and especially listening to the Gaithers.
Visitation will take place at the First Baptist Church, 550 Grove St E., Barrie on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10 am until the time of service at 11 am. Guests are invited to remain for a reception following the service in the Church hall. Interment will take place in the spring at the Thornton Union Cemetery.
Donations in Vera’s memory may be made to the Cancer Society or Red Cross and are greatly appreciated by the family.
Online condolences and memories may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com