Kay Maree Smith

FUNERAL CEREMONY OF KAY MAREE SMITH Opening music – Celine Dion: Ave Maria Welcome and Introduction : My name is Gale Caris and I am honoured to be the celebrant for today’s celebration of life. We are here today to farewell and to celebrate the life of a special lady, Kay Smith. Your presence today is indicative of the love and respect Kay had earned from each of you. Cindy, Sarah, Jodie and Kay’s extended family have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of grief over Kay’s passing and it has been an immense source of pride and comfort to them. We have people here from far and wide and I can assure you that Kay’s family appreciates very much your efforts to pay your respects to this special lady. Today is also a day for memories, today will be remembered for many reasons, but mainly I hope it will be remembered by you all; as a very special day, a special day in which you shared some time with others; in order to pay your last respects; and to say both mentally and physically; a sad and fond farewell to a wonderful lady, a lady whom we were all so very privileged to have known. At times when we must face death and loss, we need one another's company for understanding and support. Just to be together, to look into one another's faces, takes away some of our loneliness and draws our hearts together in the healing which we can offer one another. At such times, the ways that sustain us separately come together in a virtual harmony that acts across all creeds and assures us of the permanence of human goodness and hope. So we are gathered here today in grief and sorrow, but we have also gathered to celebrate a life. Eulogy Kay Maree Smith was born on 31 July 1954, the eldest daughter of Kieran Warren James Smith and Dorothy Alice May Smith, sister to Warren, known as John, Peter, Thomas, Brian, Ray, Julie (deceased), Wayne and Owen. Kay was also a loving mother to Jodie, Cindy, Kevin and Sarah. A much loved mother in law of David, Kevin and Nathan, and treasured grandmother of Daniel, James and Michael. Kay was educated at Camdenville Public School and Marrickville Girls High School, together with her two best friends at that time, Sharon and BJ. Kay wasn’t fond of school and at times kept herself and her friends amused with her impersonation of the school principal which she did to perfection. Kay was a tall person which made her appear older than she was. Together with her friends, Kay engaged in other extra curriculum escapades, such as talking her way into a local pub to purchase Passion pop or similar, trying to sneak her underage friend into an adult movie, and flirting with the boys from Newtown High School. After leaving school Kay worked in a factory making toys until a fall in a supermarket left her with a permanent back injury and unable to continue in the workforce. Kay was very much a people person who loved company and disliked being alone. In particular, Kay maintained her friendships with her childhood friends BJ and Sharon, and later her friend, Debbie who lived with Kay and her daughters at one time. However, the friendship most important to Kay was the special bond she had with her daughters who she adored, and they adored her in turn. Her fierce and undying commitment to her family stayed with her to the very end. Those who knew Kay may recall she was a talented amateur singer who loved going to karoke, enjoyed an occasional flutter on the poker machines, and repeatedly watched her favourite movies over and over. Mamma Mia with Meryl Streep was one of her favourites. In recent years ill health impacted on Kay’s ability to pursue some of the activities she previously enjoyed. However, Kay’s warm and cheerful personality drew many people to her, and she made countless friends amongst the other tenants of the complex in which she lived. Kay was a woman who would listen to, and support anyone who she believed had a right and just cause. She quietly refused to accept injustice. Speakers: I will now invite members of Kay’s family to share with you their memories of Kay. Our first speaker is Sarah Blake, Kay’s daughter, followed by two of her brothers, Peter and Ray Smith. Reflection - KD Lang Hallelujah I will now call on everyone to observe a few moments silence. Those of you who are believers may care to take this opportunity to pray, others may care to take this time to reflect on the meaning Kay’s life had for you. Reading: As a tribute to Kay, her daughters have dedicated a poem to her which encapsulates their special relationship with their mother. My Mother, my best friend – Author Sherrilyn Yvonne I could not have asked for a greater gift in my life than to have you as a mother and a friend. As I have grown, you have watched me experience all the joys and pains this world has to offer. You remained by my side every step of the way. You have always encouraged me, never doubted me, made me believe in myself, and never let me down. You know me better than anyone else, and you’re the first person I turn to when I need advice. You’ve listened to all my hopes and dreams: celebrating when they came true and comforting me when they shattered. You have taught me life’s lessons and give me morals and standards to live by. Your strength has helped me accomplish so much. You have handed me keys to open the doors of opportunity. When one door closes, I have the courage to open another, knowing no matter what lies behind the door, I have your love, support and friendship to turn to. You have exceeded the duties of a mother and surpassed all expectations of a friend. You have been, and always will be my best friend. Conclusion: On our journey through life we often meet people who touch our heart, and there are some, such as Kay Smith, we will never forget, even if we never see her in person again. Memories live on - and a person we loved will live eternally because their spirit is alive in our soul. Kay's physical self has left us, but her spirit is very much alive in our memories. A page has been created on HeavenAddress, an online memorial site to honour Kay’s memory. It is a place for family, friends and the community to come together in a secure environment to remember and celebrate a life. The site allows you to share condolences photos, stories, eulogies and tributes. We will now proceed outside the chapel where the final part of this service, a balloon release will take place. After the release of the balloons the family would like to invite you to join them at Aunt Poppy’s tea room located next to this building for refreshments. Please be upstanding. As a final tribute to Kay, the beautiful song, Over The Rainbow/What a wonderful world will be played at the request of Kay’s daughters as you leave the chapel. Balloon release - You Are My Sunshine The family will release all the balloons together. When the balloons are released, let us hold hands and be reminded that we are not travelling this road alone; we have each other’s love and support. Kay is a part of us and will remain in our hearts forever.