Anna English-Smith
October 15, 1932 to October 19, 2023
Obituary
For those unable to attend the mass for the Late Anna English-Smith on Tuesday October 24th at 10:00 a.m. from St Teresa’s Church may view it via this link: https://tom0349.wixsite.com/streamingservices/funerals
“Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped into the next room.”
On Friday October 19, 2023, Mom joined her loving husband Murray (1982), her parents Alex and Bride English and her sister Effie (English) O’Driscoll (2015).
She leaves behind her children Ken (Heather), Moya (Mark), Alex (Lesley) and Damien; grandchildren Megan (Jonny), Kaitlyn, Rogan, Evan, Owen, Colin, Grace, Holla, Murray, Claire, Andie, Briar, and Baily; her great grandson, Gordon; and her sister Mona as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
Mom was a teacher and mother who gave all to her family. She got her Masters of Education while raising her children as a single parent following the death of her husband. On retirement from her teaching career, she needed a challenge so returned to school to get her law degree.
She loved to read and travel but she loved nothing as much as a good bargain. Time spent with her teaching friends was always special, and her grandchildren and her great grandson brought her unimaginable delight. She was fondly known as Hannah, Nanna, and by Gordon as Great Nanna Hannah.
A special thanks to the staff at Kenny’s Pond Retirement Home for their loving assistance to Mom over the past couple of years.
Cremation has taken place.
Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday, October 23rd.
Funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. from St. Teresa’s R. C. Church, Mundy Pond Rd. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
No flowers by request donations in her memory may be made to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation, Murray K. Smith Memorial Award on behalf of Memorial University or a charity of one’s choice.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on October 23, 2023
7-9 p.m. on October 23, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:00am, Tuesday October 24th
St. Teresa's Parish
120 Mundy Pond Rd, St. John's
Interment to follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
Ken, Moya, Alex and Damien,
( and to your families) I am so very sorry for your loss. When I think of your Mom, my Auntie Hannah, I think of a life fully lived, and you are her legacy. She was a force to be reckoned with, a strong smart woman, who always put her family first.
I can hear the 3 sisters (Hannah, Mona and my Mom Effie)talking in the next room, and planning our vacation time together- every summer of our childhood spent with all 14 cousins- we were so blessed! I’m so grateful for the times your Mom welcomed me into your home, had me stay over many many times as Moya and I did sleepovers and I felt safe and cared for. I know my parents enjoyed traveling with your Mom later on to Portugal and Florida and more. We were so fortunate the 3 sisters taught us how to treasure our family connections. We are here for you and yours as you get through this tough time.
All my love, Sheilagh O’Driscoll
Moya,
I am sorry to just learn of the passing of your mom.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family..
I hope fond memories bring you peace.
Alex, I was saddened to learn of your mother’s passing. You, Lesley and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you once more say good bye to a loving parent. May memories of her intelligence, strength., determination and compassion inspire you and the gifts of her love sustain you..
Ken, Moya, Alex & Damien,
We are so very sorry for your loss. One of the hardest times in someone’s life is when they lose their Mom. Both Shari and myself have you in our thoughts and hearts at this incredibly tough time.
Rob & Shari O’Driscoll
Moya,
I just wanted to pass along my condolences on the passing of your dear mother. I had heard that it was very sudden, which is always difficult on family.
My thoughts are with you and all your family
Heather
Alex, Leslie, Ken, Moya, Damien and Families – So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. May you find comfort in all the memories she leaves behind.
Dear Moya and Ken and Mona and families, please accept my heartfelt condolences on Anna’s passing..
Barry
Moya, and all the Smith family: My heart goes out to you on the passing of your beloved mother. I recall well the day she got the news that your Dad had passed. She bore her grief well, as she went on with her life. The loss of the first parent is great grief but the loss of the second, is greater grief. I will hold you all in my Heart/Prayer as you go on with your lives – in her fashion.
Damien, my thoughts are with you and your family during this time of loss. Trevor Day
I was a colleague of Hannah at HHM. She was a dedicated teacher and a lover of learning. Your Mom loved her children and grandchildren to whom she left a legacy of faith, justice and a love of learning. She will be missed and there are no words to ease your pain of loss. You will celebrate her life and are blessed with many memories. This poem by Anne Morrow Lindburgh says it so well. Testament from The Unicorn and Other Poems But how can I live without you?—she cried. I left all the world to you when I died; Beauty of the earth and air and sea; Leap of a swallow or a tree; Kiss of rain and wind’s embrace; Passion of storm and winter’s face; Touch of feather, flower and stone; Chiselled line of branch of bone; Flight of stars, night’s caravan; Song of crickets—and of man— All these I put in my testament, All these I bequeathed to you when I went. But how can I see them without your eyes Or touch them without your hand? How can I hear them without your ear, Without your heart, understand? These too, these too I leave to you!
Moya and family. So sorry for your loss of your smart, warm and witty mother. Thinking of you all.
Sorry to hear of Hannah’s passing. Deepest sympathy to all the family. May she Rest In Peace. Fred Kavanagh. (HHM colleague)
To the family of Anna – I had the opportunity to work with her in the law firm shortly after we both graduated from law school. Anna was a wonderful and kind woman, and it always amazed me that she had chosen to pursue a law degree after a full career in teaching. It was a testament to her love of learning. Many years after leaving the firm she had me and another colleague over for lunch at her home. A generous and kind soul.
Moya and family, Celebrating the life of a wonderful your Mom and mourning her passing with you. Mrs. Smith was a wonderful teacher and I had the privilege of her teaching me at Presentation School. Cherish all your fond memories.
Dear Alex and family –
My deepest condolences. It is apparent how deeply your mother’s loss will be felt even as her rich life is so deservedly celebrated.
Dear Cousins Damien, Moya, Ken and Alex, there are no words for your loss. Aunt Hanna was a paragon of great kindness, intelligence, decency and virtue. She absolutely made the world a better place by dint of her commitment and conviction to a very many things – her family at the very top of that list. She was a tremendously kind and caring older sister to my Mom. Aunt Hanna didn’t often suffer fools – though perhaps she’d made an exception for the younger me and my foolishness ( as she was always, always so very kind). Sending thoughts and prayers.
Mark O’Driscoll
Montreal
To the Smith Family.
I am so very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I had known Hanna for many years. She taught me English Literature at HHM and was an awesome teacher. She came into my life again years later while I was partnered with your cousin, Frank. I told her I still owned and treasured my Northon Anthology of Literature but ruined it writing class notes all over it. She laughted and said my scribbles are the treasure. During family gatherings with Mona, we shared many wonderful conversations about life and her travels. I will always remember how she reached out to me with so much love and kindness when my own mom passed. She was am amazing, gentle woman. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you all my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.
Trudy Hawkins
St. John’s
Dear Moya and family,
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our families knew each other for many years, starting with our mothers growing up in Branch. She also taught me at Mercy. She was a kind and gentle woman and I know you will miss her very much.
To the Smith family, so very sorry for your loss! Mrs. Smith was my teacher at Our Lady of Mercy in 1974-75! She taught Grade 8 then! A lovely person and a great teacher! May she rest in peace!
Moya and the Smith family. So sorry for your loss. I met your mom and knew her best through my mother in law Alison Feder.. Hannah was a very kind, loyal and wonderful lady who was well respected by all those she taught. I remember your mom was always interested in how David and I were doing.. In her later years she nominated Alison for an Honorary Degree. The time and effort she put into that honour will always be remembered. and appreciated by the Feder family.
Marcy and David
Moyà and Ken, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Her obituary is a wonderful tribute. My heartfelt condolences to you and all of the family.
Alex and family. So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. The tribute to her was beautiful..
So sorry to hear of your moms passing. I was a student of hers in Holy Heart in 1979. Her beautiful smile and kindness has since been fondly thought off often. RIP Miss Hannah 🙏🏻❤️
My deepest condolences on your loss. I remember Mrs Smith fondly from HHM. A very sweet lady. May your Mom RIP.
So sorry to hear of Hanna’s passing. She was a devoted friend to my aunt Dolores O Toole. Deepest condolences to all the family at this difficult time.
Mrs S
It’s was my literature teacher at HHM. I never forgot her. Condolences to her family and friends.
Mona and Anna’s Family. Sorry to hear Anna passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Moya and family. So very sorry to hear your dear mom passed away.
I was in Branch earlier today. Someone was there sitting out on the front step
May all your wonderful memories give you peace during this difficult time