Obituary of Andrea Grace Childs

CHILDS, Andrea Grace (née Smith) March 23, 1944 – February 24, 2015 Our beloved Andrea was surrounded by her children as she passed away at Victoria General Hospital on February 24, 2015. She died suddenly and much too soon in her 70th year from complications of a stroke. Andrea was an extraordinarily kind hearted, caring and generous person who profoundly improved the lives of those who were lucky enough to know her. She will be greatly missed. Andrea is survived by the children that she deeply cherished - Elizabeth (Darren), Aaron (Sonja), and Stephen (Jennifer). Her six granddaughters, Sofia (5), Della (3), Hannah (3), Giuseppina (2), Hazel (1) and Emma (1), were her great happiness. She was predeceased by her husband, Norm, and her parents, William Ross & Grace Darling Smith. She will be missed by her brothers Barry, Allen and Bryan, her large extended family, and her even larger resort family of dedicated staff and long returning guests. Andrea was born and raised in Toronto and went on to study physical education at U of T. In 1970, Andrea and Norm moved to Buckhorn Lake to continue the Scotsman Point Resort legacy that her parents had begun. Scotsman Point would be where she raised her family and was her great passion and pride for the next 45 years. Andrea made Scotsman Point Resort a special place, where families made memories together - something that Andrea deeply valued. Andrea made significant contributions to her local Buckhorn community. Many of these were easily recognized, such as her involvement with Girl Guides, the Buckhorn Art Festival and Community Centre. More often, her contributions were of a deeply personal level, reaching out to someone in need and providing them with support during a difficult time. In their work at Scotsman Point, many people gained in Andrea not just an employer, but a mentor, teacher, role model and friend. She gave many years of enthusiastic service to the tourism industry of Ontario, particularly Resorts of Ontario, and these contributions were recognized with multiple awards. Less than a year ago, Andrea retired with plans of traveling and moving to Victoria to enjoy more time with her children and granddaughters. While there were lots of museum visits, sleepovers and grilled cheeses in the past year, we had all planned for many more. To honour Andrea’s legacy of caring, love for her family, and especially time with her grandchildren, we have established "the Grandma Fund" to support activities that Andrea would have done with her grandchildren. Contributions to the Grandma Fund can be made to "In Trust for Andrea Grace Childs" c/o Island Savings, 933 Douglas St, Victoria, BC, V8W 2C2. On Saturday June 27, 2015, family and friends are invited to join together to Celebrate Andrea’s life. A light lunch will be served at the Lakehurst Hall from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM after which a graveside service will commence at Sandy Lake Cemetery at 1:30 PM. A celebration of life will then follow at the Buckhorn Community Centre from 3:00 – 5:30 PM. Friends may send condolences to Andrea’s family by contacting THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.