Winna Jeanette Smith

October 31, 1926 – July 25, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce Winna (MacDougall) Smith, age 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Annapolis Community Health Center.

Born October 31, 1926, in West Gore, NS, Mom was the third of seven children of the late John Munroe and Edith (MacEwan) MacDougall. She spent her early years and school years in West Gore, Hants County, graduating from high school before moving to Dartmouth to start her career in banking. She excelled in her financial knowledge and client service, progressing through the ranks working primarily at RBC, retiring as a branch manager at the age of 60.  After retiring, she and her husband Bill, then decided to buy a home in Fort Myers, Florida where she wintered for the next 33 years.

Mom was a longtime member of Wyndholme Christian Church, holding many fiduciary, teaching, and church member growth positions in the church. Earlier in her career she joined Eta Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in 1957, an organization that focuses on social activities, cultural enrichment, and service projects, where she eventually progressed to Torchbearer,  the recognized highest of the organization’s seven degrees.  

She also enjoyed being a role model as a local Girl Guide Leader for young girls aiding in their development, while also championing the organization's vision, mission, and values in Annapolis County as the District Commissioner for Girl Guides of Nova Scotia for many years.

Mom was provincially known for her beautiful gardens, and this was reflected in the many ribbons she won at provincial garden club competitions. In 1995 she was honored by the Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs as the Gardener of the Year, an award not only for her capabilities and knowledge, but for supporting gardening and assisting in the organization of many flower shows and the promotion of gardening and beautification.  She was also very proud of the regional award from Annapolis County for converting the barren surroundings of her new home at Grand Lake to include beautiful flower and vegetable gardens.

Mom was a member of the Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star for 75 years and held many positions over the years in her local chapter and at the Provincial level. She loved to be involved with all her clubs and organizations, whether it was serving in executive positions, managing finances, line dancing, attending exercise classes, gardening, crafts, or collecting stamps.

She was a lifelong supporter and participant in her church camp, Johnston Christian Park, and was recognized and awarded at age 95, for her many decades of support.

Mom is survived by her three children, Diane (Bill) in Lucasville, Dean (Pam) in Dartmouth, Brock (Cathy) in Digby, brother (Frank), sister (Gwen) and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by Bill, her husband of 51 years, and brothers John, Malcolm, Ken, and sister Rhoda.

We would like to thank the staff at Annapolis Community Health Centre for their care of Mom during her stay there.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Annapolis Royal.

A Memorial service will be held on Monday, August 11, at 2pm at First United Baptist Church, 762 St George St, Annapolis Royal with reception to follow at the church.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, August 14, at 2pm at West Gore Disciples Church, 1000 Highway 202, West Gore with reception to follow at the church. Interment will take place at the West Gore cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Gore Disciples Church or Johnston Christian Park.