Naydene Ruth Smith

November 17, 1956 - August 7, 2019
Born November 17, 1956 in Kamloops, B.C., Dene completed her journey peacefully on Wednesday, August 7, in Duncan, B.C. Cherished by her husband Mickey of 42 years, daughter Mary (predeceased in 2009) and son Michael (Kortnee), brothers Steven Duncan (Catherine) and Brian Duncan (Elaine and their children). Sister-in-law Marg (Tom), brother-in-law Frank (Zorka), nieces Michelle (Dave), Denise (Steve) and Pauline (Dave), Crystal. Beloved by many great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Mary and Doug Duncan and in-laws Olive and Mike Smith.
Dene grew up in Ponoka, Alberta. She was a hair dresser in Crofton before joining the Smiths on Meadowbrook Farm. Devoted wife and loving mom to Mary and Michael, she worked the farm raising yaks, pigs and chickens to happily sell products at the Farmers Market. Breast cancer plagued her early but with her usual determination she took her medicine and joined the Dragon Divas. When cancer returned in 2013, Mick, Dene and friends would choose to travel to countless warm spots (Hawaii, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Spain) as rewards between treatments. Many babies were fortunate to be gifted her individual handcrafted animal quilts. Dene's ready smile and kind nature will be missed by members of the Dragon Divas, Special Olympics (where she coached for 15 years), Capitals Hockey, Duncan Curling Club, Softball and Baseball teams, the FOE, Duncan Market, Cowichan pool, and countless special friends.
A celebration of her joyful life will be held on Thursday, August 22, at 1 pm, in Mellor Hall, Cowichan Exhibition Park. A huge thank you to the Oncology staffs in Victoria and Duncan.