SMITH, Marilyn Ruth -  age 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 19th, 2026, at Elk Court in Brookfield.

Born in St. John NB to Henry Murphy and Doris (Shubley) she was the oldest of eight children and grew up in Bathurst, NB. Mom spent most of her life in North Salem where she raised her three children and enjoyed her passion for farm life, doing crafts, gardening, and home cooking. Mom really loved flowers and you could tell especially in the summer around her home.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie and son-in-law Jack Toole of Brentwood; son, James of Shubenacadie; granddaughters, Emily, Julia, and Emilee; great granddaughters, Ella and Remi; sisters, Joanne (Carlson) Dempsey of Stonehaven NB, Audrey Murphy of Bathurst NB; brother-in-law, Ron Brown; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Jessica; brothers, Henry Jr “Sonny”, Bill, James; sisters, Patricia (Ron Brown), Judith Murphy; and half brothers, Jack and Robert Murphy.

Cremation has takne place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Shubenacadie and Elmsdale. There will be no visitation or funeral. Graveside service at a later date in Bathurst NB.

The family wish to thank the staff of the Mira and Elk Court for their care and compassion given to mom over the last few years.

If so desired in honour of Mom get some flowers and enjoy the beauty of them as she did.

See you later Mom xo

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Marilyn may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. Each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticved that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, you said that once IU decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I need you most you would leave me.”

The lord replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it weas then that I carried you.” -Author Unknown