Marie Anne Barron-Smith

It is with great sadness we announce that on July 28, 2024 Marie (Anne) Barron-Smith of Toronto, Ontario passed away at the age of 67. She was born in the small town of Fox Harbour, Newfoundland, on August 6, 1956. 

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jeff Smith, her loving son, Tobias Barron-Smith (Olivia) TO, mother Betty Barron NL (predeceased father Patrick Barron), siblings—Patricia (Jas) BC; Margaret (Michael) TO Jackie NL, Nick ( Sharon)AB, Steve (Sheila)TO, and Frank ( Tina) NL, Sister in law Pam (Graham) TO & Brother in law, Dan MB, all her nieces & nephews and close friends who have been on this journey with her.

It would be an understatement to say Marie packed a lot into a life of exploration and travel with a thirst for knowledge that knew no bounds. She was fearless - joyful in her life’s journey. Her wanderlust took her across Canada, the United States , the Caribbean and extensively throughout Europe, as well as working and living several months on a Kibbutz in Israel. Family and friends alike received postcards from wherever she landed. She shared her adventures with us all. 

She had a successful career working in administration in the mining industry, and later in sales, she excelled at all her business endeavors and took particular enjoyment from the people she met wherever she went. It should also be noted that Marie was an Avon enthusiast (the Hat Pin )and took particular care and pleasure in her collectables as she travelled to meet the people in places who were like minded. On more then a few occasions Tobias was her travelling buddy. 

Marie was an avid runner and when running was difficult she walked - miles and miles and miles. She was also a voracious reader of both literature & fiction, never missed the Toronto International Festival of Authors, attended all the readings and left with book signings of her favorite authors. Art exhibits were also a favored outing and she loved all that Toronto offered her in the urban world she lived in. 

Amid life moments, she found respite in the cradle of family and friends often accompanied by a Martini or a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, relished not for the taste alone, but for the satisfaction found in the shared pour of company and conversation, with laughter and tears alike. 

Marie’s greatest joy was becoming a mother to her son Tobias and remained very close to him throughout her life as she and Jeff guided him into adulthood becoming the fine young man he is today. He is without a doubt, her proudest and most precious of gifts that life gave her. Her love for him immeasurable.

A daughter, a sister, a traveler, a career woman, a mother, a wife, an individual in her own right who lived the life of an adventurer and in the last of her life relished in being a homebody. Marie Anne takes her final bow on the stage of life, leaving the memory of her spirit in the hearts of all who loved her. We will remember her always.

Join in a tribute to a life lived… on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, from 1 pm to 4 pm at 543 St. Clements Ave, Toronto hosted by her sister and brother in law Margaret and Michael. This celebration of life, welcomes flowers, as vibrant as the life she led, or donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, a cause close to her heart, as a testimony to her enduring empathy. RSVP –mbarron@cgf.com or text 416-738-1456 or streaming service available to TBA.

On behalf of Marie Anne, Jeff, Tobias and her extended family a heartfelt thank you to all the healthcare professionals who sought to make her life better and more comfortable during this difficult time. 

In the coming months her ashes will be interred at her beloved birthplace of Fox Harbour, Newfoundland amongst family and friends.