Rhonda Perks (Smith)

It feels unreal to be writing mum’s obituary. I knew I would write it one day, but I assumed by that time we’d be mentioning her top three paragliding adventures, recounting a story involving an orphaned elephant from her fourth safari, talking about how beautiful she looked walking her granddaughter down the aisle, and mentioning which of her many great-grandchildren was lucky enough to travel to Aruba with GG to feed the Flamingos (definitely Sean’s kids).

Instead, Awful Cancer (its official and clinical name) took mom just before her 67th birthday, way too soon and with too many adventures still incomplete. Left to complete them (at mom’s request) are husband Lorne, Daughter Erin (Ian), Granddaughter Jaime, Grandson Sean, Son Ryan (Nicole) and Grandson Logan. Her Sister Colleen (Jamie), Niece Samantha (Colin), Sister-in-Law Carol (Larry) were by her side holding her hand right to the end. Left to mourn are mom Margaret (dad James welcomed her to heaven), brother Jim (Lori), ex-husband Denis (Donna), mother-in-law Estelle, and all of her sisters and brothers-in law, nieces and nephews on the Perks side, as well as her cousins from out west and friends from all around the globe.

My mom, Rhonda Smith, was born in Montreal, the second of three kids. She idolized her sister, loved her brother, and was generally the kid who everyone could rely on in a pinch. Smart. Funny. Gorgeous. She would have been indistinguishable from John Lennon from the back if the two of them sat on a stoop side by side. She made the kind of lifelong friends (Sharon and Beverley) who became family: I think many of us kids were stunned to find out we weren’t actually blood relatives. She met husband Denis in the 70s, fell in love, had a storybook wedding (well, there may have been some inclement weather…) and in short order came the first of many (many!) Perks grandkids: Erin and Ryan. While she held jobs before Alcan, she cherished her career with Alcan-the-place and Alcan-the-people. She worked her way up the ranks until she was Human Resources Manager, traveling the world to open and close plants. She was so proud of her work, and when she retired in 2014 she maintained the friendships she had made over her decades of service. Marilyn, a colleague and friend for many years, was invaluable to mom at the end of her life, providing comfort and company.

After her divorce, mom rekindled an old friendship with Lorne  Leatherbarrow, and ended up falling head over heels in love. Lorne and mom have been inseparable for decades, and have traveled the world together, logging trips throughout Canada, Europe, Central America and Mexico. After COVID robbed us of a precious 18 months of travel, gatherings and in-person celebrations, mom was just about to come out to BC for a visit at the end of the summer when she felt unwell. The Awful Cancer was diagnosed, and mom fought like hell for 7 months before finally departing March 8th to the next part of her cosmic adventure. A celebration of life will be held at St. John’s Dixie Cemetery Willow Room in Mississauga on March 26th from 2-5pm, and all are welcome. Mom insists you wear bright colours, and would love if you’d make a donation in her honour to the Canadian Cancer Society. I miss you mom. Je t'aimerais toujours.