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.
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.