September 2, 1939 – November 25, 2024
at the age of 85 years
Virginia passed away at home in Salmon Arm on November 25, 2024 at the age of 85 years. She was born Sept. 2, 1939 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
She was predeceased by husband Robert Bunyan, sister Linda McMurtry, brothers Herb and Chris McArthur. Left to mourn are grieving family members: daughters Shawn L’Henaff (John Barrow), Cheryl West, son Darryl Smith. Grandchildren Nicole Clark (Travis), Drell L’Henaff (Amanda), Travis L’Henaff, April Smith, Emma Piercey (Niko).
Great grandchildren Eve Clark and Brooklyn L’Henaff, sister Irene Domokos and several nephews, nieces and cousins.
Mom loved to spend her time E-biking the Okanagan rail trail, float down the Shuswap River, fish and spend time exploring trails and parks across B.C. She loved to craft – many family members received her works of art. She also enjoyed writing and gardening.
She had many career changes throughout, but the highlight was her final years working captaining the commercial fishing boat that her husband Bob built – they spent many years fishing for prawns and salmon off the coast of B.C. In the winters they would go to the home they built near Palm Desert California and later travelling the Baja of Mexico in their RV. She loved to travel and immerse herself in different cultures.
Mom was an active climate change advocate- doing her part to make this world a better place for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She also loved wildlife and nature and contributed financially to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Nature Trust of B.C. and Greenpeace Canada Education charities. As such -a donation to one of these charities would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
A celebration of life will be held in late summer 2025.
So sad to hear Virginia has passed. My deepest condolences to all her family members. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
I met Virginia twenty years ago, when she showed up to volunteer with the Okanagan Fruit Tree Project. I was the Coordinator and she quickly became my best Volunteer, and a dear, valued friend. Over the next five years, Virginia attended just about every pick of cherries, apricots, peaches, apples and grapes – was told to get off the ladder numerous times – and tirelessly delivered thousands of pounds of fruit to the Foodbank, Seniors and children in Daycare in Summerland.
Virginia was a passionate climate, environmental, political and social advocate. She educated and inspired us all with her fiery determination, humorous, kindly wisdom and enthusiastic proactive approach.
I had the pleasure of spending a few winters with Virginia in La Paz, Mexico. We went sailing and enjoyed the beaches in the Sea of Cortez and traveled around exploring the local culture and attractions in the small towns in South Baja.
I am grateful for the time I had with Virginia in October. It was special to reconnect and catch up with her in person. Living so far apart the past few years, we were relinquished to a yearly visit, and scattered phone calls. She did email regularly though and kept me up to date on current events, shared hundreds of jokes and helped solve all the World’s problems.
I will miss our long talks, her loyal, unending friendship, and her beautiful, happy nature. Virginia brightened my life, brought me immense joy and laughter, and I am honoured to have been her fiend.
May she rest in peace and keep smiling down as she continues to watch over and guide us.
I look forward to seeing you again dear friend. You will be missed!
Virginia’s sudden passing was a sad surprise… I spoke to her just a couple of days before her passing and both of us were optimistic about the treatments she’d had and had planned. Sadly… her time was shorter than we thought… happily – she had a long and interesting life, travelled, and was blessed with a wonderful family and many friends. I am so happy that Virginia and I got better acquainted in the last 10 years. Initially she was my “other aunt” somewhere in the Okanagan… I visited her sister Irene more often earlier on, but soon Virginia and I began to meet and soon became good friends and we talked/emailed often. She was adventurous and went travelling when she could (especially to sunny climates in the fall/winter). She was a strong and positive force – always willing to chat on many topics – both personal & on a global scale. She was always trying to promote environmental conservation, always signing petitions (and inviting others to join in), active in and marching for the preservation of Mother Earth! I will miss her dearly! My condolences and best wishes to her immediate family.
Virginia was a member of our writers’ group and we thoroughly enjoyed her stories she created about the 2 girlfriends and the adventures on their trips. She would often share those stories at our Writers’ Coffee House.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Shuswap Writers’ Group
It was with great sadness , to hear of Virginia’s passing !
Bob and Virginia were my neighbours in Summerland. I loved hearing of their adventures , Virginia was a great spirited lady who lived as she believed, and loved her family dearly! I will miss her quick replies to my emails. Thank you for your friendship Virginia
We were very saddened to hear about the recent passing of Virginia Smith. Virginia was a passionate climate activist, a long-time member of the Shuswap Climate Action Society, and a friend. She firmly believed in the power of action to address the climate crisis. A firecracker of a gal, she frequently wrote letters to elected officials, signed petitions, showed up for climate protests and events and supported our efforts. She did this “for [her] children and grandchildren”. Virginia will be greatly missed.