Obituary of Eleanor Polfliet
In Loving Memory
The family of Eleanor Veronica (Smyth) Polfliet of Hawtrey are saddened to announce her peaceful passing and are forever grateful for a life well lived. Mom passed away at the VON Sakura House in Woodstock on Wednesday, January 3rd 2024 in her 93rd year. Mom was born on July 9th, 1931 in South Norwich Township on the farm of her parents, William and Cecelia (Smith) Smyth. Faithful member of the LaSalette Catholic Women’s League for over 70 years and former member of the Sommerville Women’s Institute. Mom’s life was centered around her family. She dedicated her life to caring, loving, and supporting her parents, husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren unconditionally. Of all the Smyth/Smith generations, Mom was the first to meet and hold great-grandchildren. Her greatest joys were found in family gatherings, impromptu visits of neighbours and friends, and going out for a drive. Mom loved to embroider, cook, preserve fruits and vegetables harvested from the family garden, and bake pies. There was always extra food on the table and a hot cup of tea for friends and unexpected company. Often upon leaving, visitors were told to go down to the basement and pick out a jar of chili sauce to take home and enjoy. Although Canadian born, Mom was proud of her Irish heritage which had roots in the counties of Kerry, Clare, and Monaghan Ireland. Former Eleanor Veronica Smyth. Beloved wife for almost 60 years of the late Paulus Polfliet (2015). Loving mother of Colleen Verbuyst (Dan), Pat Polfliet (Janet), Mike Polfliet and Larry Polfliet. Cherished grandmother of six grandchildren, Bernadette Martin (Justin), Gregg Verbuyst (Katie), Neil Polfliet (Sarah), Nicholas Polfliet, Ryan Polfliet (Ashley) and Dylan Polfliet (Jen), and five great-grandchildren, Ethan, Ella, Bennett, Jillian, Macey, and one great-grandson on the way. Eleanor also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws in Canada and the U.S.A. Predeceased by her parents William (1966), Cecelia (1968), infant daughter, Mary Eileen (1957), her sister Margaret (1998) and her brothers, Tom (2005), Jim (2007) and Jack (2014). A Private Family Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Tillsonburg. Interment in Our Lady of LaSalette Cemetery. Donations to the VON Sakura House, Woodstock may be made at the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Delhi (519) 582-1290 (www.mfh.care) and will be gratefully appreciated by the family.
"Mothers hold their children's hands for a while,
but their hearts forever”
