Obituary of Tammy Smith

SMITH, Tammy Sue - Passed away on September 18, 2016 at the age 45, at the Sault Area Hospital, after a valiant fight with Cervical Cancer. Her strong will to live, her unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends and supporters carried her through 18 months of grueling radiation and chemotherapy. Through her own struggle with Cancer, she reached out to many others affected by this awful disease offering unending love and comfort; and by chronicling her journey to encourage others to take great care of their health. Tammy was born on November 16, 1970 in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario to the late Harold and Cecilia Smith. Tammy was the youngest of three beautiful girls, which also include her sisters Donna Bazinet (Jean) and Lauri Lynn Smith, who now live in the Ottawa area. Tammy was also blessed with two half brothers, Steve Smith from Vancouver and the late Gary Smith. Tammy was also well loved by her nieces and nephews - Mitchell, Reanna and Ashton. She is survived by her special Aunt Susie from Calgary, her godmother, Deanna Lapossie and their families, her best friend, Victoria and her family - Shirley, Gerry, Michael and Liz Davies, who were like a second family to her… and, last but not least, her precious little angel, Ella and her "close inner circle of besties". Predeceased by a special little friend, Taten Hammerberg, who also passed from Cancer last year and her Godchild Greer. Tammy attended Grandview Public School, White Pines Collegiate and Vocational School and the Sault College, where she completed her diploma in Medical Administration. She worked for many years at Zellers and found a family in her co-workers. More recently, she had found another family of friends while working as a Medical Receptionist at the Station Mall Clinic and also at Maurice's clothing store. She will be missed by her amazingly supportive colleagues. Tammy came into this world a fighter as a tiny preemie. As a child, she was a sweet and quiet little girl, very shy and apprehensive of the big world. As she evolved into adulthood, she developed into a real firecracker, full of courage and strength with a joie de vivre. Tammy possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humour. Throughout her life, she always maintained her sweet and simple demeanour that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter and joking around will never be forgotten. Tammy was a woman who could also be depended on as she always put her family, friends and even strangers first. Her priority was always to make others feel loved and accepted. Her giving nature and precious smile will always be embedded in people's hearts and her tenacious nature of how she battled this cancer will inspire others forever. Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road 705-945-7758) on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. until time of a memorial service to celebrate Tammy's beautiful life at 1:00 p.m. with Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Tammy lived a humble life and never felt the need for material items to feel rich, as she felt so rich in love. "One is only poor only if you choose to be" were words that were often spoken by Tammy. In honour of this mantra, the family asks that family and friends bring a favorite piece of material, that they can kiss and leave. A blanket will be made to envelope her urn. Also, if you would like to send flowers, please send Gerbera Daisies, Tammy's favorite, so that we can send her off in a room full of love and daisies, just as she would have wanted. Donations can be made to ARCH or the Sault Area Hospital 3A, in memory of sweet Tammy. Many thanks to all of Tammy's family and friends who have supported her throughout this battle, who kept her strong with their companionship and constant unwavering support. And, an extra special thank you to Tammy's mother, Cecilia, who cared for Tammy, day and night, through this battle and for the amazing staff on 3A of the Sault Area Hospital who became so dear in Tammy's heart. www.northwoodfuneral.com