Ursula Mary Smith

23 April 1935 – 7 October 2020.

Ursula and Bernie first met in 1954 and were married 4 years later at St Fidelis Church, Moreland by friend, Father Kevin Toomey.

In 1957, they purchased their first home in North Balwyn, where they raised their family and became part of the church, neighbourhood and social community and both held and attended many parties. 25 years later, they moved to Balwyn, extensively renovating the property that became their family home. 

Having been brought up with traditional values, Ursula’s formative years were shaped by broadly held beliefs about the role of women.  Having lost her father when she was just 15, and her mother going back to work, Ursula would have dearly loved to become a school teacher but instead, and likely fuelled by a sense of obligation and responsibility that often befalls the eldest, chose to work. 

After she and Bernie had raised their family Ursula went back to study. She was highly regarded by those she studied and worked with. Studying Ancient Greek History at Melbourne University, she was invited to join the Honours Program. She joined the staff at La Trobe University and for about 10 years she assessed the candidacy of higher degree applicants. This was a role that she loved and an environment she thrived in, and her skills were recognised by the Dean of the University, who on his retirement paid tribute to her vital role in the University.

Ursula’s passion was classical music. The house was filled with the beauty of this music and Bernie says she almost converted him, and her children say they were introduced to opera, partly by osmosis. 

She was a prolific reader, and she managed to study, work, keep a beautiful home, support Bernie with the business, and entertain their friends and their children’s friends. She was a magnificent cook, and the more people who turned up for meals the better. 

Her family describe her as abundance and joy personified.   If anyone ever wanted to stay, there would be plenty of beds.  She was never happier than when friends all came together, and Fiona notes her welcoming of her children’s friends and the warmth and interest she showed in their lives. Her guidance was invaluable. When discussing the challenges provided by the work environment, she would gently suggest that someone be given a second chance.  When Ursula spoke, people listened, and she was a mentor to many, providing trusted and very wise counsel to those who sought it.  She always had a point of view and her children saw her outstanding skill as in knowing when and how to express it.  

Ursula suffered deeply for at least eight years.  Despite putting up with extreme pain and discomfort, she never complained, and this courage was reflected in the respect her doctors had for her. Whatever the challenge, she faced it with determination, courage, dignity and grace.  In order to be able to come home from hospital, Ursula was able to convince her doctors she was eating, able to get out of bed and to walk.  Her grandchildren were a great source of joy to her during the ensuing weeks.

The Smith Family would like to thank Father Trac, not just for conducting Ursula’s funeral Mass but for his kindness and gentle approach towards their dearest wife and mother in her final hours.  They are also most appreciative of his generosity and calm of spirit and for guiding them through this time. 

Ursula would have been more than happy in the presence of her immediate family Fiona, Caroline, Julian, daughter in law Susan and Ursula’s three loving grandchildren. Joshua, Matthew and Amelie.  The family were pleased that her lifelong friends, Mary McCormack and Tricia Bowditch, who started work with Ursula when they were all teenagers, could be present at the funeral, as this would have been Ursula’s idea of a perfect send off. 

 Ursula you were our jewel in the crown and will remain in our hearts forever.