Obituary of Benita Marion Smitz
Benita M. Smitz passed away peacefully at the Kingsdale Chateau in Kingston, at 3am on April 25th 2022, after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease and complications with lung cancer.
Benita was born in Burma on Nov. 17th, 1936 and spent the first 5 years of her life in ideal conditions, surrounded by family and in-laws, as both families (Smitz/Kinlocks), were well-integrated into the culture of the country.
However, in February 1942, the Japanese attack on Burma ended the romantic beginning of Benita’s life and dramatically introduced her to almost 30 years of exciting adventures beyond her young imagination. Those adventures ranged from escaping over rugged mountains and rivers to safety in India, years in lonely private schools, life in war-torn London, family ventures into Europe, experiences with Greek millionaires, British international service in Ghana, sharing digs in London with posh elite young ladies and Special Branch service in Poland, Laos, and London, etc. It was an exciting time in her life when she made life-long friends with interesting people and world experience. It was while working in Laos that she met and eventually married, Paul Fortin a young Canadian Quebecker and emmigrated to Canada.
Benita settled down with Paul in Boucherville QC to help raise Paul’s two sons and at about the same time, was hired on with Pratt & Whitney, a USA aircraft engine company. There is much to say about Benita’s leadership and personal skills, as she soon rose to executive secretary of their sales division and was welcome in the homes of senior management long after she left the company. It was after she had spent over 25 years with P & W that she decided to take early retirement. Her marriage was collapsing and she felt it was time to make a full break to a brand new area that interested her, Kingston, ON.
It is hard to describe how quickly Benita accepted life in Kingston, and how Kingston accepted her. Very shortly she seemed to know everyone and everyone seemed to know Benita. Was it the smile? The easy laugh? The many stories? The amazing ease she had for talking to everyone and anyone, about everything, or anything? Or was it just the natural gift of a graceful stylish lady, well dressed in matching colours and design, with hat and shoes to fit. Perhaps! Or was it just Benita being Benita? That’s Benita Smitz, spelt with a Z.
Sincere thanks are offered to the Divine Care Agency and to the staff of the Kingsdale Chateau for their remarkable assistance during Benita’s final days.
Benita’s many friends and relatives will miss her dearly. Please join for a service and reception to celebrate Benita’s life on May 14th, 2022 at: 1:00 pm
James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd., Kingston
If you wish to make a donation, please do so to St. James' Anglican Church or to Doctors Without Borders.
