It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Dariel Smith.
Dariel is survived by daughter Susan Smith Alexander (Doug), son Jim Smith (Megan), brother Barry Eastman (Ariel), sister-in-law Miriam Smith, many other dear relatives and friends, and her “grand-puppies” Marigold and Teaka, with whom she had a special bond. Dariel is predeceased by the love her life, husband of 59 years, Al Smith, her parents Mary and Asa Eastman, and brother Terry Eastman.
Dariel was born and raised in Penticton, B.C., the eldest of three children. She grew up loving the beach, her bicycle, the Penticton Vees, going to the movies, the many family pets, and had especially fond memories of a pet lamb named Paddy. Her love of reading was fuelled by a job at the local library and she had many stories from her time working at Penticton General Hospital.
In 1954 at the Commodore Café, Dariel met Al Smith, whose work had brought him to Penticton. Two years later, they were married. Dariel whole-heartedly embraced the adventure that Al’s job provided, with frequent moves to small communities throughout B.C.; they moved 10 times the first year they were married, and until the end, Dariel spoke fondly of the places and people they met along the way, and the lifelong friendships forged. No matter where they were, she enjoyed summer visits from her younger brother Barry, nephews Rick and Don and other family and friends. After some nomadic years, Dariel and Al settled in Kamloops in 1962, where they started a family.
The care and attention Dariel devoted to her family was epic and unwavering and extended to the family pets. She volunteered for EVERYTHING related to her children’s lives—from school to Beavers and Brownies – she would often continue to volunteer many years past her own children’s involvement. She attended every soccer, hockey, softball game and practice, every music recital, school concert and school play. Dariel always made special occasions special for her family, immersing herself in cooking, baking, and decorating.
Dariel and Al were long-time members of the Kamloops Golf & Country Club, and Dariel so enjoyed her time with the “9-Holers” ladies’ group there, not just golfing, but also organizing and attending their year-round lunches and celebrations, alongside her close friend Betty Graham. Dariel was curious by nature and had many interests including travelling, gardening, baking everyone’s favourites, the Vancouver Canucks, movies, music, sewing, embroidery, crocheting, knitting, curling and of course, she loved to shop! Her passion for shopping led to a job offer later in life, which she took, enjoying the camaraderie and staff discount (!) at Just Petites/Irene Hill/Cleo. As someone who appreciated a huge array of music, for many years, Dariel could be found at Riverside Park nightly during July and August for Music in the Park.
Well-mannered, well-spoken, and always well-put-together, Dariel embodied kindness, warmth, and empathy. Particularly during her later years, we remained in awe of her consistently positive nature and resilience. She was the most loving person and in turn, she was so very much loved by many and we are beyond grateful to call her our mom.
The family would like to thank the staff of Overlander Residential Care for their compassionate care with special thanks to care aides, LPN’s and RN’s on South Park.
In lieu of flowers, our hope is that we can all show a little extra kindness to others, in memory of Dariel.Read More & Leave Condolences »
