Elizabeth Smith

Deceased Sisters

Elizabeth Smith - United Kingdom
11/01/1925 - 11/06/2016

Born North of the border in Glasgow Scotland Sister Elizabeth spent most of her life in England where she ministered in so many different ways.

In 1946 Sister Elizabeth joined the Marist Sisters Novitiate then evacuated from Peckham London to Paignton in Devon where she spent a year until she moved to the newly established Saint Brigid’s Novitiate in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim Ireland where she made first Profession on the first of September 1947.

Following Profession she was back in England assigned to the West Byfleet community where for three years she ministered as student and as student teacher in the Junior School. The following eleven years were spent in Barnstaple where she enjoyed a mixture of ministry, of personal study, community duties and student teaching. Sister Liz as she was known was noted for her caring qualities and on reflection over the past years she realised that her love was the caring profession especially to the poor and homeless as opposed to the caring qualities called for in the teaching profession.

During these years Residential Care Homes for children were a priority with England’s Social Service provision of care and it was in this direction that Sister Elizabeth wished to focus her strengths. Having successfully gained her Residential Child Care Certificate combined with Family Grouping in Care Homes she ministered in the Marist Residential Care Home for Children in Nympsfield Gloucestershire and later as Housemother in a residential Care Home in Teddington, Middlesex.

Having spent many years in Child Care, time had come for a change of responsibilities in community In conjunction with other community members she became more involved in ministry to the homeless In Upper Holloway for a period of eight years she was co-ordinator of the Portakabin a mobile unit which provided food and companionship for many homeless persons respecting their dignity and uniqueness in their present situation. They in turn respected her and enquired about her years after she left the ministry.

On returning to active involvement after a sabbatical break in the late 1990s Sister Elizabeth adjusted to a slightly gentler pace in everyday commitments. She was assigned to Askern community in South Yorkshire. Here as later in Walsall, a deprived area on the outskirts of Birmingham, she had ample opportunity for practical and pastoral ministry working with homeless, the housebound and in other local areas of need over a stretch of six years. Hers might be the only visit of the day to the housebound and lonely she visited lifting their spirits to a realisation that they are remembered.

For her, retirement time was drawing near and she withdrew from energy taxing activities to Hythe community in 2004. Here Sister Elizabeth served as sacristan in the convent chapel which in her active way she cared for with her characteristic intensity.

For the first time in her Religious life she was in the same community as her aunt Sister Ita Maria Callery who was then aged 101 years old and cared for in Villa Maria and to whom Sister Elizabeth could now pay regular visits.

Sister Elizabeth was a twin and her niece Tess wrote of her - ‘She was very proud of being a twin and although they spent their adult lives on opposite sides of the world there was, as there often is with twins, an unshakeable bond between them. I am sure Margaret, - Ros and Graham are thinking of Liz today.’

Liz as she was familiarly called loved her family and again in the words of her niece– ‘Liz liked nothing better than a family party. She would make every effort to turn up at weddings, christenings, momentous birthdays and anniversaries. ……. Liz loved all of us. She often used the words My Favourites when referring to members of the family and her list of favourites grew as we all got married, had children and great grandchildren . But she loved us all equally. She rejoiced in our achievements and successes, she prayed for us, she worried about us; she even shed the odd tear for us. Liz was the glue that bound the Smith family together.

In 2012 Sister Elizabeth’s strength began to wane with mobility less secure, she moved from the community to Villa Maria where she received from the Sisters and Carers every care and attention to all her needs Blest with every attention spiritually and physically Sister Elizabeth slipped gently to her reward on 11^th June 2016.

Many Sisters and members of her family were present at Requiem Mass on 23^rd June celebrated by Father Copsey SOLT and followed by commital at Hawkinge cemetery in the company of many Marist Sisters before her. We said farewell to Sister Elizabeth to the singing of the Salve Regina and the Marist Hymn.

Lord,
we entrust those who have died to your mercy:
welcome them into your presence.
You loved them greatly in this life,
now give them happiness and peace for ever.
Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace Amen

Deceased Sisters

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