Ali was born in Belleville on May 7, 1948 while her father was stationed at the Air Force base in Trenton, Ontario. She consequently followed with the family to Claresholm, Alberta, Hamilton and Downsview Air Force bases thus an “Air Force Brat”. The family moved to Peterborough after his retirement and he undertook a new job at Trent University. Her mother had a very interesting life growing up in Kamloops, B.C. living in a rustic cabin near the banks of the Thompson River. In 1986 Ali met many of her cousins at the Smith family reunion held in Kamloops.
There were 7 children in her family. She enjoyed having her nieces and nephews come to the house and log home for long stays and great times. Her sister Maureen and her children Paul (Godson), Niki (Goddaughter), Luke, Matt, Dylan and Cassandra. Her brother Clare (deceased), children Aaron (deceased), Susan and Jeremy. Her brother George (deceased), children Jeff and Dougie. Her brother Gord (deceased), children Sarah and Amanda. Her bother Danny, children, Kevin, David, Mallory and Caroline. Her brother Mark (deceased) helped to build the log retirement home on Crystal Lake.
Ali met her husband Jack in 1982 while they both worked at Toronto Trust Cemeteries. She worked initially as a receptionist showing off her people skills regularly.
She married in 1986 and lived in Aurora till 2014 till her husband Jack retired at that time from MPGC. Consequently, a house in Lindsay was bought to be closer to the log home. She enjoyed camping at Wasaga, Sauble Beach and Killbear Provincial Park. The trip to P.E.I. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland were still in her camping days. A trip out west to Regina, Calgary and then to Kamloops was followed by EXPO 86 in Vancouver. The trips to St. Pete’s Beach, Myrtle Beach, California and Texas are special memories. Imagine standing in the Cathedral Forest with the Giant Sequoias.
Ali can be described as a very kind and charitable person as many people have experienced. No selfishness only love. In the Irish tradition she is leaving one life and stepping into a new one.
Ali left us on June 7, 2022 after a most courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation will take place at Elgin Mills Cemetery Visitation Centre on Sunday June 12th from 6-9 PM. Visitation will continue at 9:00 AM on Monday June 13th then followed by the service, burial and reception.
Ali asks for everyone to come and have a “party” with her.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society. Special charities for Ali include the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes where every abandoned or abused animal is given the best hope. Ali was constantly saving turtles from the perils of crossing the road. She was never hesitant to pick up a “Snapper” the right way and take them across in the direction they were pointing to. The charity is Turtle Guardians (turtleguardians.ca)