KathleenSMITHIESKathleen Smithies, 91, died peacefully on 17 July 2025 after a short illness. Her funeral service will be held at 11 am, on Friday, 8th August, at St Mary Magdalene's Church, Maltby.
Kathleen was born on 4th October, 1933 in Belfast to Mary and Frederick McMahon. She was one of five siblings. Kathleen worked as a shorthand typist bookkeeper when she began her devotion to amateur theatre. Kathleen married Frank Ward and moved to England. They were married for 17 years, and Kathleen continued to perform with Chapeltown Operatic Society. Kathleen divorced and married Michael Smithies, and they raised Dominic together. Many will know her from her business, Forward Travel, and many more through the various operatic society productions that she performed in or directed with Maltby, Greasbrough, and Retford societies, to name but a few.
She'll be remembered as a generous, kind, and caring friend, sister, stepmother, and aunt; a creative and demanding director; and a selfless mother and grandmother. Kathleen was always up for a glass of wine and a good laugh; she will be missed.
She is survived by her sister Anne, son Dominic, and her two grandchildren.
Donations in her memory will go to The Stroke Association and a collection will be held at the service or you may donate here via the option below
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