Theodora Anne Devine-Smith (nee Finn) November 7, 1952 – June 7, 2018
Our dear Teddy passed peacefully into God’s arms on Thursday, June 7th, 2018. She fought bravely to stay in this life with her loved ones as long as possible. Teddy is survived by: her beloved husband Bill, loving son Matthew, devoted daughter-in-law Ashley, and her treasured grandchildren Taya and Theo. She leaves behind her brother Terry Finn, (Marvel), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom Teddy loved dearly. Teddy endured the heartbreaking loss of her mother Margaret and precious daughter Tara in 1985, as well as her father Theo Finn in 1993. There are no words to describe the challenges that Teddy faced in this life but she did so with grace, dignity, and courage. She was an inspiration and example for us all.
Teddy spent much of her childhood in Calgary, graduating from the University of Calgary to become an innovative and accomplished elementary school teacher in Vancouver and Alberta where she touched the future of hundreds of young learners over the course of her career. Teddy’s dedication to her students was evident in the way she transformed curriculum into meaningful activities accommodating varying learning styles and individual needs.
Teddy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, teacher, mentor, and volunteer. She lived life with passion and integrity. It was important to her to celebrate the birth of a new life and she created beautiful baby quilts for many a new soul. Her kind heart and her generous spirit will be deeply missed by family, friends, and neighbours. Teddy was a lifelong learner who was always ready for a new adventure. Her love of travel carried them to new and interesting places, and with her gregarious personality she and Bill always made new friends along their way.
The family thanks you for all your prayers and support in many forms during the years since Teddy was first diagnosed and especially during these difficult past ten months. In lieu of flowers it was Teddy’s wishes that you might make a donation to Cancer Research.
To all our dear friends and family,
The dates times and venues for Teddy's Celebration of Life events have now been finalized. There will be two events, the first of which will be held in Nanaimo on Saturday August 18th at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Ave. Doors will be open to guests at 1:00PM. We are planning both of these events to be memorable and enjoyable, with music, pictures, stories,laughter and maybe a few tears. Refreshments will be served.
The second Celebration takes place on Sunday September 9th in Calgary at the Silver Springs Golf and Country Club, 1600 Varsity Estates Drive NW. Doors will be open to guests at 1:00 PM.
As you might well imagine, planning a event such as this is fraught with difficulties, not the least of which is notifying everyone who should be made aware, and anticipating how many may wish to attend. To that end, if you are aware of anyone who you know should be attending, but has not been notified, please forward this message to them. In regard to knowing how many may wish to attend, it would be of tremendous assistance to all concerned,if by no later than August 10th, you would drop me an e-mail indicating which venue you wish to attend and the number in your party. Hope to see you there.
Thank you all for your cards, warm thoughts and prayers,
May God Bless you,
Bill.
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