SMITH, Florence Bernadette (nee LABRANCHE)   - Florence Bernadette Smith, L.G.C.H.S.J. passed peacefully in her home on October 19, 2017 at the age of 92.

Florence Labranche was born on February 4, 1925 at St. Mary's Hospital in Toronto where she resided with her family until they moved to Penetanguishene, Ontario, where she acquired a real love for the Roman Catholic faith.

Florence moved back to Toronto when she was about 18 years old and worked at the Toronto Stock Exchange until she was married to Bernard Joseph Smith on July 21, 1951 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in the Newman Chapel located at the University of Toronto campus. The Exchange wanted her to return to work there, but she declined, informing them that she had her husband and her children to care for. During her lifetime, Florence was a devoted member of St. Gregory's Roman Catholic Church in Toronto (Rathburn), the Church of St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Baysville, Ontario, the Saint Pius Church in Fort Lauderdale, the Toronto West Serra Club and the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre.

During the last six years of her life, Florence suffered from Alzheimer's disease. She was cared for at home by Abondia Tesiorna (Ching) and other considerate caregivers. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Barbara Pilarski and Dr. Ihor Gadacz for the special care given to Florence during those challenging and difficult years. Florence is survived by her husband Bernard Joseph Smith; her four children Gregory, Mary Ann, Michael and Maureen; her brother Howard; her sister-in-law Nanda; her grandsons James and Kyle; and her great-granddaughter Scarlett Rosa (daughter of Kyle and Jessica). Florence was predeceased by her sister Rita, her brother Donald, her son Terry and her daughter Karen.

Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter (Butler Chapel) 4933 Dundas Street West, on Sunday, October 22nd from 2 to 4 and from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Monday, October 23rd from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24th at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 122 Rathburn Road (west of Kipling Avenue).

In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to the Serra Foundation of Canada would be appreciated.

Thanks be to God for giving us such a loving mother and such a wonderful wife for over 66 glorious years.

TorontoObituaries.com