I think about you often and so much of my life teachings and what I do have come from your guidance and your love. No earthly person has influenced me in the way that you have. And what is really precious is I know you loved me. Thank you dear Mother Marina. You taught me to carry my cross . You taught me that real love is dying to self and self-giving. Thank you though the words are so inadequate. You always reflected Jesus and you loved him so much. It is not so long before I see you again. My love always.

Still only have memories of an amazing lady who filled the world with love and genuine caring
Lets try to emulate her by doing only good in her memory

16 Nov 2023 has come and gone But Mrs Smith will never be forgotten. Her exemplary of life is a role model for everyone who knew her with ethos Let there be LOVE.

Royal Albert is a must for all festivities and celebrations!
Le Chayim.

Dearest MMarina
It has been a year now since you have gone to be with Our Lord. I always remember you, reading your sermon notes or reading letters from you. You are always in my thoughts. I was in Singapore and went to Garden by the Bay on Sunday 25th June - your garden is the best. Garden by the Bay is in Marina Bay Singapore. This garden is second best and did my own memorial walk. lol and behold there were displays of roses and your last letter were about roses- what an amazing thing to coincide with your memorial. My lunch was outside the Flower Dome but still in the area— Satay by the Bay.
Stephen and James are carrying out your legacy— Bringing Hope and Love to the world. May you Rest In Peace knowing that your sons and grandchildren will continue this precious work.
Love and good wishes to the Smith families

Like so many people who knew Marina, including my Mum and Dad, I have missed her passing. Can a year really have gone by without hearing her soft, unmistakeable voice and reading her emails? I know that the work Marina inspired continues through Stephen, James and the team. I am sure she knew it would continue safe in their hands. She would have been so proud and pleased to see her legacy flourish and develop. Sorely miss indeed. I could not leave my tribute without a word of love for Eddie. I had an opportunity to speak with him last October at Beth Shalom. I was so pleased he was well enough to join us on that important commemorative day. I am sure the last year for him without his beloved Marina has been made more bearable by Stephen, James and their families. My love to you all. David

Forever in our hearts! Sleep peacefully Mom !

My dearest Marina,

I think of you so very often and, oh, how I miss your wonderful letters which were always so chockful of news and delightful pictures of your family, especially all your beautiful grandchildren. You provided them wiwth so much knowledge regarding other faiths, a faith other than their own and you told me how you celebrated Jewish holidays just as you did your own Christian holidays which I think is just wonderful. The more we learn about each other's faiths the better friends we can be.
All my love to all the family and may you rest in eternal peace.
Inge

Forever you will be remembered, loved and not forgotten! Your love and legacy lives on. You are in the Lords greenest pastures with colour beyond our imagination! If you could you’d be telling us with excitement of all your are seeing and experiencing there. I imagine you walking alongside of the Lord sharing your joys with Him , the one whom you faithfully served for so long.
Such a beautiful heart, so many miss you so much. X Cindy

Gone but NOT forgotten. Shining brightly in our hearts!
Pay it forward!
Remembering your Birthday - Of Blessed Memory Mother!

Remembering you on the anniversary of your birthday and wishing we could be sharing again together, sitting with you in your beautiful room at Bethany.the royal Albert tea service, the dainty sandwiches and cakes and above all to be there with you.

No birthday cards or candles to blow out, no visitors or presents, but very many happy memories

I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mrs Smith, who I had the pleasure of knowing through my work as an audiologist at Kings Mill and through my friend Diane Page. Mrs Smith was truly an inspirational lady who cared deeply about people. When I lost my mum to dementia in 2020, her kind and reassuring words were a great comfort to me. When I decided to leave the NHS and take a leap of faith in another role, again her encouragement and support were invaluable. I had the absolute pleasure of joining Mr and Mrs Smith along with my friend Diane for afternoon tea in May this year shortly before I left the NHS. What a lovely memory that is and even more poignant now as it was the last time I saw her. Her hospitality, generosity and love were much appreciated and I will treasure that memory forever in my heart. RIP Mrs Smith. Gone but never forgotten xx

Marina. Mother, Teacher, Friend.
Big blue sparkly eyes so expressive, laughter so joyful, kindness so overwhelming. A heart Steadfast & True. Genuine with a deep personal integrity. Compassionate & practical in her caring, Counting the Cost but doing it anyway. Lavish in giving. She was Faithful & she was Full of Faith. Around her was the Fragrance of Jesus.

This quote by Elisabeth Elliot will always remind me of Marina Smith:

This job has been given me to do.
Therefore, it is a Gift.
Therefore, it is a Privilege .
Therefore, it is an offering I may make to G-d.
Therefore, it is to be done Gladly
If it is done for Him.
Here, not somewhere else,
I may learn G-d's Way.
In this job,
not in some other,
G-d looks for
Faithfulness.


          "It's the heart that counts"
                        Marina Smith
      
       

I lack words to convey the magnitude of the pain I am feeling when I heard about Mama Marina’s passing away. She just left a big void....as if I knew her since I was born; but the legacy of faith, commitment and love for the Lord she gave me is far greater than the void of her departure from this world.
The wise and powerful pieces of advice and words of consolation Mama Marina always give to me and my family when she sends me emails have sparked a flame in my heart that will never, never, never be put out. What a great and wonderful lady she was !!!!
I lost two mothers this year Jane, my African biological mother and Mama Marina, my British mother.
The Central African Republic has lost one of her greatest intercessor. My family also has lost one of her greatest intercessor and encourager. Mama Marina, though far in the UK, was always there for me and my family in times of war and insecurity. She was a beacon of light shining in our dark world of war and daily violence; she was the sweet balm, soothing the aching heart of CAR with her prayers.
Mama, you have fought the good fight, kept the faith, you have positively impacted the world, you have given out every piece of love you had to help the world be a better place, even to people you never met, knew or saw.
Now that your time has come, you’ve returned to our Master and Lord whom you’ve served so faithfully here on earth. Till we all meet again when our Lord returns for all of us who believe in Him and are waiting for His appearance, may you rest in peace, on the laps of our Heavenly Father.
My deepest condolences James and Stephen Smith.

For the world, and for so many as these tributes testify, Mrs Smith was a powerful, remarkable and visionary woman of faith and of deep conviction but also of love and compassion.

On a personal level, Mrs Smith loved and counselled me and was involved in my life as a common thread from when I was born all the way until she passed away. In life, such people are already rare but there is so much more. She also loved and counselled my parents in the Christian faith as they brought my sister and I up. She was my primary school Headteacher at Woodlands and put in enormous love and energy into our spiritual, moral, literary and overall education, giving us an incredible level of individual attention. This grounding set me up for life in so many ways, for which the benefits will be lifelong. Through late primary and secondary school she educated us about the Holocaust and the importance of inclusive values – and her testimony-based and storytelling-based method for doing this was an important predecessor to Aegis Trust’s peace and values education that was implemented at Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda and expanded into Rwanda's national curriculum under DfID and Sida funding in the past decade.

As a founding Director of Education at the Holocaust Centre, a giant in the origin story of Aegis, and as the original “Champion for Humanity”, Mrs Smith had a foundational influence on my career and life path long after childhood - along with all of us who grew up with her influence. First, there are the values that she instilled in us including a deep desire to do good. Second, my experience on a Holocaust Centre-based gap year Aegis, especially an intense trip to Rwanda from March to April 2004 (before which I remember a long talk with her) working with a large team led by James and Stephen on the opening of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, sparked my interest in peacebuilding, development and the economics of Africa which have become my career. I since moved to Rwanda and even now almost two decades after that Rwanda gap year I still live and work here.

When we were children and adolescents she strongly instilled her fervent Christian faith in me and my cohort, and encouraged us in it throughout adulthood. However, the time came in mid-2020 that after she asked me a direct question about my faith in an email, I had to tell her that I had since become agnostic. However, she continued to correspond and write warmly and with love.

Thank you Mrs Smith for your inspirational example; your legacy will continue to cast a very long shadow indeed upon the following generations.
P.S. Thank you, Stephen for making her Storyfile, it’s a treasure.

I first met Marina and her family through Abbey Street Methodist Church in Dublin, Eire. We also attended the same Wesley Methodist College. 

Marina visited our home many times and always came up the stairs to say goodnight to me, tuck me in and talk a while. Her words to me stuck with me "Joan, you're a nice girl, you wouldn't lead a boy 'up the garden path' would you. Marina was only 4 years older than me and I was about 14 at the time.

I think maybe Mum and Dad had mentioned the many boys who took me out!

I later visited Marina and family in Kent when I was engaged to be married and they were so hospitable and welcoming - always were.

It was a shock to hear about her passing, but we have kept in touch and she has helped me with books and papers, and spoken on phone too.

Thankyou Marina. You will stay with me always.

Joan Winspear

Yom Ha Shoah (around 2012)

In the run up to the event, Mrs Smith had written and issued the invitations (despite being ‘retired’ for roughly 7 years already) and acted as the coordinator with the Holocaust Centre for the Survivors and their families.

Every invitation email/letter she had sent, to over 100 people and their families, had been answered by someone saying they could, or couldn’t come. They had shared their latest news, asked for news on Aegis, James, Stephen, the grandchildren, asked for help. Mrs Smith would then of course reply, and so it would go on.

On that day, she’d risen early as usual, got ready and had gone to be at the Holocaust Centre, where for most of the day she was with her Survivor family.

She moved through them all, and talked extensively, ministered to them and helped them, and they loved her. I can’t remember if she spoke at that particular event. She normally did. She was called to speak about those who had passed, that their memory might continue be a blessing. Many Survivors would ask her, “when I die Marina, will you speak about me?”. These eulogies (checked with Stephen and James beforehand) would be beautifully crafted, delivered with an authority and gravitas that few else will ever have.

Then, afterwards, as always, the Survivors would stream over to Bethany. This was the tradition after every event.

Mrs Smith had given her (and Mr Smith’s) first home to be Beth Shalom, Britain’s first Holocaust Memorial.

Bethany, her next home, right next to the Holocaust Centre, she also shared, to be a home for everyone else too. She left very little room for herself.

So, the Survivors would arrive, walking across the small field to be welcomed at Bethany with still more food and the hug that so many have mentioned here already. Everything would have been beautifully prepared. She would have overseen every detail to make sure it was a perfect welcoming home. The food would be perfect. The gardens would be perfect and peaceful.

(It’s worth noting that she planned and planted that garden herself. She wanted it to be place for Survivors and others to come and find respite amidst the peaceful glory of G-d’s creation).

And so, for several hours the Survivors would sit laugh and share this simcha, and Mrs Smith would spend time with each and every one. Often Stephen and James would be there too, and Mr Smith quietly smiling the background, supporting his wife. The place would be filled with laughter

Then the Survivors and their families would leave, comments written in the guestbook, photos take, more hugs. Then the clear up would begin. Mrs Smith would have the place set up for the next day. Some calls would come from Survivors who missed her at the event. A quick cup of tea and a biscuit, making sure her assistants all ate. By then it was about 21:00 / 22:00.

Then began the next part: emails ( with the latest photos attached) and letters. For three hours. It was vital people had their ‘thank-you' emails waiting for them in the morning. It showed gratitude. Survivors needed to be thanked. Speakers and local dignitaries, other visitors, the Centre’s staff also received thank you notes. She would take time to personalise each and every one, and to make sure that Aegis’ work was shared too. 

Then around 01:00 am, she discovered that some of the Survivors had left donations for her to pass on to the Centre. She was exhausted. She had woken up at maybe 07:00am. She was 78 / 79. She was carrying many health problems. But the trust placed in her to give the money to the Centre was more important. The exhaustion showed, just for a moment, but it counted for nothing. More emails. One to the relevant person in the Centre, detailing each donation. Then a personalised email to each donor. Not just a “thank you for donating”, but personalised. Each one was checked and edited. Around 04:00 am, she went upstairs. She had sat for so long that moving was very painful. Visitors were due for lunch around 11:00am, in 7 hours time.

Arriving the next morning, Mrs Smith was already downstairs, preparing for another day of loving and serving people. Bethany was bright and welcoming, as was she.

This is but one vignette in a lifetime of such moments - as many who have written here can testify.

We know that: "Love is patient, kind, without envy or boasting, or pride. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres..."

If I may be permitted to add, I witnessed also that Love sacrifices, it labours, it battles, its gives everything.

That is why it never fails

“Though the earth may descend into night, love will rise on the wings of the morning light.” 

Stephen recently (perfectly) described her as “an absolute warrior” - and that's what she was. She was my spiritual mother, she was also my General.

And thus we all remain; witnesses to lifetime of G-d–given righteousness and love, all to the glory of Christ.

In one her last emails, Mrs Smith wrote; “I just want there to be Love.” I think she might have liked this poem, by a Rabbi named Allen Maller, entitled :

When All That's Left Is Love

When I die
If you need to weep
Cry for someone
Walking the street beside you.
You can love me most by letting
Hands touch hands, and
Souls touch souls.
You can love me most by
Sharing your Simchas (goodness) and
Multiplying your Mitzvot (acts of kindness).
You can love me most by
Letting me live in your eyes
And not on your mind.
And when you say
Kaddish for me
Remember what our
Torah teaches,
Love doesn’t die
People do.
So when all that’s left of me is love
Give me away.

The L-rd gives, the L-rd takes.
Blessed be the name of the L-rd.

How do you thank someone who has given you so much? Who has gently, firmly, moulded you into the person you are? Who has shown you right from wrong and given you the values you try (and all too frequently) fall too short of? Words don’t seem enough. 

It has been an honour to know you Mrs Smith. You touched so many lives, and your love shone out in everything you did.  I don’t think it has even properly sunk in yet.  I hold the memories I have with you close to my heart. Through my earlier years, reading time at School, your voice ringing out “"TOM!"…  No answer. "TOM!"…  No answer…  "What's gone with that boy, I wonder? You TOM!"….No answer.’” You brought the characters to life. You gave me such a love of literature, nature, and the beautiful world which He has given to us.  What a childhood, the eagerness with which I looked forward to the walks ‘up the hill’, greeting the spring blossoms and green shoots of new life with you.  I treasure each birthday card and letter you sent, and your emails.

Thank you, Stephen and James, and to all of your beautiful family, for sharing this amazing lady with so many. 

With all my love, and gratitude always. 
Sarah

Posted by Chris Walker - A Remarkable Lady,

This is a very brief thank you to Mrs Smith for giving me a fantastic purpose filled life, rich in meaning, a rare exquisite gift beyond value. Thank you, Mr Smith, Stephen and James, thank you for sharing you wife and mother, with us all.

My mother was a depressive and was helped by Mrs Smith, Methodist’s wife in the Ashbourne circuit. Forty five years later towards the end of Mum’s life, I remember them sat together, Mrs Smith holding Mum’s hand. This says a lot. Thank you.

She guided and corrected me, she taught my wife to be a good mother, then taught my children and set them upon the right path. They have held to that path and now work for James, which is a great joy for me.

I have been with or around Mrs Smith for most of my life. I have seen her in the heat of the sun and the deep storm, but never saw her waver or complain about her lot. To do what she did was tough and exacting work, requiring constant detailed focus, great courage and stamina. Speaking truth to people is not always easy but that’s what she did because it was in their best interests to understand. Her health was often a thorn in the flesh, not totally surprising given the pace she set. Love was the propellant and everyone felt its glow. Thank you for loving us all so much and for taking time to wrestle with understanding mental health issues so you could unravel a life without hope. You took a pile of broken bricks and constructed something special with them rather than getting new. Against all odds your faith made the improbable or seemingly impossible to happen.

You had the intellect and presence to hold a room full of people, all sorts of people, the great and the good, the ambassador, the taxi driver, the scrap merchant and the MP. All mattered to you, in the end it was the heart that counted, that was the true measure of worth.

Thank you for loving us all and for giving yourself so completely to help mend a broken world. Truly a life to celebrate, a life to challenge and inspire young people in times to come and to take them to heights they never dreamt of.

Chris Walker

Dearest Mrs Smith

I can't quite believe we will never see you again on this earth. But what an amazing legacy. The amount of lives all over the world you have touched over all of these years of ministry. The heartbreak you have helped heal and mend with your love, compassion reaching out with Grace.

Thank you for all you have done for the World, for me and my family. I am so blessed and grateful for all of the love and patience over the years and the privilege of learning and being taught by you over the many years, especially during the time I was privileged to work with you and your amazing family all those years ago at the Holocaust Centre.

All you have taught me goes along way towards my work with the Salvation Army now Thank you Thank you.

Thank you Mr Smith, Stephen and James for sharing Mrs Smith over all these years and for the amazing work you continue to do.

Well done thy good and faithful servant. Promoted to Glory.
There must be so many up in the Heavens celebrating with you right now.

Sending all my love, thoughts and prayers
Helen xxxx❤️❤️

I am writing as a member of the Yom Hashoah Manchester Committee who were honoured to have Marina as one of our patrons. Her conviction and commitment always inspired us and she will always be a shining light to us. On a personal note, Marina was a good friend to my parents, my father being one of The Boys and the 45 Aid Society. We are sure her legacy will live on and the Smith Family will continue her work. We will treasure the time we spent with her and remember her calm, sweet smile. "Long Life" to all the family

So sad that Marina has passed away. She was the inspiration and heart of Beth Shalom, a place which allowed me to release my demons. She was compassionate, caring, welcoming, a good listener -  she was my friend. It will take me a long time to read through the plethora of lengthy, beautiful tributes above, but they were so moving and told me a lot more about Marina than I already knew. Most interesting was Eddie's story, talking about his wife, it made me cry. Rest in peace, Marina, who knows, we may meet again.

Last time I was with Marina, it was at the CCJ conference held at the National Holocaust Centre, where I was one of the speakers, and had arranged to pop in to spend some time with Marina in the early afternoon. It was my folly to have had lunch at the centre before
I went over to Marina's for 2.00 pm, as she had laid on a beautiful lunch for me! We had a wonderful conversation, which of course culminated in a tour of her beautifully abundant spring garden.
I will never forget Marina's care and kindness towards me when my husband Tony passed away in 2006.

I am sure many have referred in their letters to how proud she was of her family and all your achievements, as well as those of your children. This very sad time has given you an opportunity to show how proud you were of her, albeit a very unwelcome one. Marina was a very special and unforgettable woman, loved and respected by so many. Her life and mission were truly honorable.

I for one will miss her enormously.

What can I say? I am broken hearted that the person I love most is no longer here. For more than 40 years, she has been a mother to me, teacher, pastor, counsellor, friend; but Mrs Smith has served her Lord God all her life, His timing is always perfect, so it would me wrong of me to wish things to be different. She knew her work on this earth to be completed, and she has gone to her heavenly home. What joy for her to be free from the pain of her many ailments, and united with her Lord whom she has served so faithfully! 

She is the only person to fully understand me, the only one to love me enough to tell me the truth. She had the ability to reach out to people whose lives were damaged, and bring them to a place of usefulness and service to God. She took the ‘broken bricks’ of our lives and built something worthwhile out of them. She welcomed and appreciated every act of service I did for her, no matter how poor, as she was able to see the heart and the spirit in which it was given. When I did things wrong she never held back from saying so, but was always quick to forgive when I was truly sorry. 

As I have worked for Mrs Smith, (as a volunteer, behind the scenes), I have seen first-hand the attention to detail and the effort that she put in to preparing for each visitor. From the smallest baby, the youngest grandchild, to the oldest celebrity, and even animals, she provided for the individual needs of each one. She understood them all. If there was a fractious bay when she was talking to a group of people she would take him in her arms and talk to him. Babies instinctively knew they were in safe hands, in a place of love. Every person was treated as special, and each one sensed and responded to the love they received, including the pets.  I am convinced that the dogs and other animals understood what she said to them. She especially loved children and would pull out all the stops to ensure there were plenty of appropriate toys, and presents for any child who came. Of course the grandchildren had a very special place. They had their own rooms full of treasures for when they came to stay and their favourite meals were prepared for them when they came after school. She made a tremendous contribution to the upbringing of each one. 

I first met Mrs Smith in 1980, when she was starting a faith school. At the time I was teaching Physics at a girls’ school. A friend put me in contact with her, suggesting I might help with the Maths and Science. I went came to what was then the Retreat House on a visit, but instead of launching into discussion about teaching she asked me about myself, and gently probed under the ‘front’ I put on to the world to discover my personal problems. Nobody had ever cared enough to bother to do this before. I was overwhelmed by her love. Therein started a long process of her ministering to my needs over many years during which she spent many hours counselling me. I am only sorry that I was so slow to learn. She would always put the spiritual wellbeing of the individual ahead of any project she was undertaking because she knew that if our hearts were right and we were loving God, only then would we be able to work together and achieve the required results. Her teaching was right and true and her guidance was always good. As a school teacher she was able to bring the best out of all her pupils no matter how deprived their background because they knew she really cared for them, and as a result they achieved far more than would have been expected. 

It has been a privilege to know Mrs Smith and have her as my spiritual Mother. There is so much more I could say but this is already too long! I am honoured to have been able to serve her in small ways. It has given my life a purpose and a usefulness beyond anything I could have otherwise achieved and I can only marvel at the most amazing work she achieved spreading out from small beginnings to become internationally renowned. Mrs Smith has been the heart of it all.

So dear spiritual Mother, there is a big hole in my life, but your timing is always right and your work here on earth is finished. God’s ways are perfect. So I will rejoice that I have known you and been taught by you, and will continue to follow that teaching and live as you would want me to. Thank you for letting me be part of your extended family. Thank you, thank you for all you have done for me and for the world.

Hannah

Dear Smith Family, so sad to hear the passing of Mrs Smith, you are in my thoughts and prayers. As all the tributes share - once meet , never forgotten and I have many memories of walking over to Bethany for advice, sharing news and rebuke!

A remarkable lady and a fitting site to give thanks for a life well lived.

Simon Foulds

Dearest Smith Family

When I first found my faith, I looked everywhere for a place of worship whose principles and acts reflected those I recognised to be Holy, Righteous.

One day, a friend said, “I have found an amazing woman – you have to meet her!”

When I met this wonderful Mother, I knew I had found the Truth. Her words and actions worked together – so full of love, so full of strength and vitality, so full of living faith. She was a plumbline – straight and true – I knew I had found the treasure.

She trusted me. There was complete acceptance. I felt loved unconditionally. And not just me… Mrs Smith was always helping people – she seemed to use everything she had for others – she shared her time, her own home, her own family – nothing was held back.

Her letters, emails, cards, booklets – sharing the lessons of her very special faith with me and my family helped me grow in my faith. And not just me …. Everyone else had the same supported love, the same detailed love and attention.

At the time, I had not realised that this consistent, genuine interest in people, in individuals, extended throughout the world. I was privileged to catch a glimpse of her love reaching out to hundreds of people.

During her life I was inspired, supported, encouraged and benefitted from her outstanding leadership. She encouraged me, challenged me to look beyond myself, to help and support others and not to live for this world alone.

Now, my hope and prayer is to live up to her expectations, to be one of the many Living Letters she wrote to the world.

Thank you for sharing your Mother, your Safta with me and the rest of the world.

Dear Stephen, James, Eddie and the entire Smith family,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful mother/wife/ grandmother. I can do no better than to reiterate the many accolades she has received since her passing. Indeed there are not sufficient superlatives to describe the kind of woman she was: amazing, caring, remarkable, warm, loving, compassionate, extraordinary, generous, and truly unique.

I came to know Marina and the Smith family in 1997, when I visited Beth Shalom for the first time, shortly after the opening. I was drawn there because my mother was a Holocaust refugee who had lost many members of her family during that dreadful period in human history. Living locally at that period, I was able to visit many more times. Most importantly, I was introduced to Victoria Ancona Vincent, one of the Holocaust survivors who contributed to the Centre’s educational programme, with whom I developed a close but all too brief friendship.

As has been described by many others, I always received a warm welcome from Marina and her two amazing sons, and came to appreciate the incredible work they were doing in the field of Holocaust education. Like so many others, I was privileged to be invited to her ‘famous afternoon tea.’ Marina had a remarkable capacity to make everyone she encountered feel very special.

It is in reading these tributes (and yes, I have read them all) that I have learned for the first time, to my shame, of the extraordinary work Marina did for decades even before the opening of Beth Shalom. What is clear from these tributes is the time, energy, care and compassion she devoted, and continued to devote, to thousands of individuals, making each and every one of them feel special and loved, some of these relationships going back almost 50 years.

It is in this context of all the exceptional and life-long work Marina did to make the world a better place (needed now more than ever) that I realise just how privileged I am to have known her.

May she rest in eternal peace and may her legacy live on forever.
My sincere condolences to the entire Smith family and my thanks to them for having shared Marina with us.

Susan Soyinka and family.

Marina was a tour de force, indefatigable in her desire to support Holocaust survivors and their families as well as the survivors of the genocide in Rwanda and many, many more.

I came to know her through the annual visits to Beth Shalom by students of the Centre for the Study of Jewish-Christian Relations (later called the Woolf Institute) and Christian ordinands, training to take up positions of leadership in various churches across the UK and Overseas. She was always welcoming and hospitable and help create, with her amazing sons, an engaging and educational environment. We all left the Centre for the journey home with a sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference. 

We will always be grateful to Marina and the Smith family for their encouragement and support.

May Marina’s memory be for a blessing!

In friendship and with condolences

Ed (and all the Kessler family)

I met Mrs. Marina Smith at her house in 2016. I was invited by the Chatham House in London to go and give presentation on the future of youth in the horn of Africa.

Before I could leave South Sudan for London, I informed Glen whom I met in Kigali Genocide Memorial centre in the previous years working for the Aegis trust. I also met Marina' son James Smith in Kigali at Aegistrust office, a leader with a heart for humanity.

After my presentation at the Chatham house, Glen asked me to go and visit James' mother and the National Holocaust center. It was exciting news that I could not turn down.

I took the train, David Brown who also works for the Aegis trust was waiting for me at the railway station in Nottingham shire.

When I arrived at Mrs. Smith house, she came out with a broad smile and welcome me with a hug, her husband Mr. Smith possesses the same sense humour. From there I came to understand where that heart of humanity I saw from James Smith came from.

After listening to her words, I broke down to tears. Glen, David and Mr. Smith were present unfortunately I have never met Stephen Smith but I have known him through books that I read about the holocaust and the Aegis trust. She asked kindly why I was emotional and I told her that your words remind me of my mother whom I lost at the age of 11 and also how I wish her words could be heard by many so that their lives could have hope.

I left her house feeling healed and happy. my tears came out with all the horrors of African wars.

David Brown was my tour guide at the Holocaust center. I listened and watched documentaries related to the Holocaust, how it was planned, executed and how the UK Government transported some children to the UK a journey referred to as kinda-transport.

The stories of the Holocaust and the idea of putting up the center including the cost plus the number of visitors who came that day made me believe that God can really bless some people by revealing his humility through them.

I Met Bernard who was a holocaust survivor. He told me the time of blood suckers around the World is almost coming to an end. I started imagining whether that can happen in my country.

To make a long story short, Mrs. Marina Smith is a mother of humanity according to my own understanding because what I saw from her actions and achievements speaks louder than words.

Mrs. Marina has conquered my heart to an extend in which I send her a message every time am weak here in South Sudan and she prays for me. She has strong prayers that humbles my soul. She can heal a distressed person.

To Mr. Smith, James and Stephen, I would like you to keep up the burning candle of global hope for humanity. South Sudan needs your presence.

May her beautiful soul rest in eternal glory.

Dear Stephen and James
You are forever in my thoughts.
With much love
Kitty

Words fail me! I am distraught at the loss of Marina- forever in my heart!
Kitty Hart-Moxon

It was an honour and a privilege to have known marina and her amazing family since I first visited beth shalom over 25 years ago.
Her kindness and warmth was all consuming and her deep genuine interest and concern for everyone she met was amazing.
On a personal level she always wrote such beautiful personal messages full
of love, affection and genuine interest.

I am a better person from being lucky enough to
have enjoyed her company and scrummy teas with her and Eddie.
She has left an indelible contribution to mankind.

I first met Mrs Smith in 1980 when my best friend Jill knew of my broken heart and said she knew someone who could help me well that was the biggest understatement ever!! From the moment I met Mrs Smith my life changed, I knew I had met someone very special and was privileged to call Mother.
You were a true ‘one-off’ with a zeal for life, a great sense of humour and a passion for your work, and you would light up any room and make everyone feel special. You lived your life to the full, not a moment wasted – we all knew you would never really retire and you ran the race to the end.
I will always be deeply grateful to you; it was my honour and great privilege to know you and be your spiritual daughter. I can never repay the debt I owe, how you helped me, my family through all the years and shared your family with me. All your cards and letters are treasured. What I can do now is to follow on with gratitude, a thankful heart. I will carry you in my heart always – forever loved - forever missed.

My sincere condolences to Stephen and James and all the family.

PS – I’ve attached a photo of you running the race – it was an egg and spoon race for one of your fundraising Garden of Gifts events in July 2012, you were looking very glamorous too

My very sincere condolences to Stephen and James and all of the extended family.
I first met the special lady I was privileged to call mother in 1981 and last saw her on Mother’s Day 2022. In all that long time she remained the same. The same sweet smile, the same loving arms. I can never put into words what she meant to me and all of those wonderful memories are stored in my heart for ever.
She was an outstanding and extraordinary person who changed the lives of so many for the better.
With grateful thanks and all my love.

Dear Mother,
We will miss you, yet you have accomplished your work here on earth, amazingly! How glorious and uplifting to know the Lord holding your hand and the host of angels beside you as your journey carried on to Glorious Eternal life with God.

We know you will be still watching over us. The books, cards, letters, emails, and so much more. You have prepared us with everything to carry on as you want us to grow, thank you.

Mrs Smith took us under her wings. Her steadfast love has kept us and never let us go. She makes you feel that you are secure in her holy love.

We are privileged to have come into an extraordinary family, the many miracles that have happened which we are humbly grateful.

You have reached the four corners of the earth with your Miracle of Love!
Alan & Sue

I was very fortunate to have already met Mrs Marina Smith before the loss of my parents. My sister had encouraged me to spend my holiday at the retreat house that Mrs Smith was running. It was 1979 and I was in my first year of nurse training. Subsequently, in later years when first my mother, then my dad passed away, Mrs Marina Smith helped me to heal. She enveloped me in her love, picked up the broken pieces and skill fully made me whole.  She had also helped me so magnificently in every aspect of my life’s journey just as she had helped countless others. She always made it so personal, so individual, such is her understanding, skill, generosity of spirit and a willingness to give of herself. If something needed to be done she would see it through, with great attention to detail, leaving no stone unturned.

A deep gratitude goes to her husband of 58 years, Mr Smith, her two dear sons, Stephen and James for sharing her so graciously and so generously.  Thank you too to her beloved grandchildren, Natalia, Stephanie, Aaron, Ariella, Seth and Sebastian for sharing their Safta . Mrs Marina Smith loved her family deeply and was so proud of each of them, celebrating their milestones and achievements and always so supportive of their respective undertakings.

Mrs Smith and her family created such a special place - the Holocaust Memorial and Education Centre, now the National Holocaust Centre. The ethos, principle and philosophy upon which it was conceived and built is so beautiful and pure born out of their core belief and value system. It is how Mrs Marina Smith lived out her life and how she valued and treated people. (It is only natural that Aegis Trust was created soon after as the Smith family is only too aware of a suffering and volatile world. There was no resting on their laurels).

When news reached me that our dear Mrs Marina Smith, Mother to so many, Matriach of the Holocaust Centre had passed away, yes, my heart broke, but there was also calmness, quietness and a peacefulness. Her work is completed. She always leaves one a stronger, better person than when she first found you. “Parting is such sweet sorrow”…..yet the comfort is knowing it is only temporary, there is the assurance that we will meet again. She has fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. What a woman of faith and prayer. A woman of valour. 

Thank you Mrs Marina Smith, my best friend, mentor and wise counsellor, you have been truly inspirational and been like a mother to me. Thank you for leaving us stronger than when you found us. What a legacy you have left. 

"Those we held in our arms for a short while, we keep in our hearts forever. It's hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember"

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Smith.

Dearest Family of Smiths

Scrolling through years of memories these past days since your dearly beloved Mother left us I would like to say to each one of you, especially remembering her as a special friend and Mother to me, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

All my love and prayers, always

Brenda

Dearest Mother
Words cannot express how precious you have been to me over the years. I will always be grateful for the day you came into my life back in 1984. I visited you in your converted farmhouse and received much help from that day onwards as you listened, counselled, prayed for me, loved me, cared for me and taught me, setting my feet on a rock.
You have been a true lifeline to me in countless ways and your sacrificial love has not only touched myself and my family but many many others across the globe. You have been there through the ups and downs of life, the joys, sorrows, the heartaches, the celebrations. Through singleness, marriage, births, parenting, sickness and death. Your prayers and guidance have been a source of strength and are deeply treasured. Your many letters and cards are still re-read today and bring much comfort and joy.
Working with you at Woodlands school was an immense privilege and a time of much learning for myself too. You are the most outstanding teacher!
It has been such a privilege to know you. I am going to miss you hugely! ..but your work here is now complete. You have left an amazing legacy. Thank you so much for who you are and everything you have been! I love you.

My dearest Mother , words are inadequate to express my gratitude for all the blessings you have brought into my life and that of my family through your Mother heart of love, compassion, generosity, counsel, forgiveness and prayers over the years. To have known you has been life changing. There are so many happy memories of times shared together, sometimes one to one, 
in celebrations, afternoon teas and visits to my home. No matter how busy your life was you always had time to be there too in times of need and sadness giving sacrificially of your love, practical support, counsel and prayer. One main occasion was when my husband Robert died suddenly when I and Neil, Ruth and the children David and Jo were on holiday at Swanage. You were not well yourself at the time but without hesitation you left your bed and travelled with Eddie and Stephen to be with us to comfort and support us not only then but with continuing help and support. Love beyond measure.

That love and generosity reached to everyone you met and beyond , through your deep love and faith in God.

I shall miss you so much and you will always be in my heart. I love you. Your legacy will live on through Stephen and James work with the Holocaust Centre and Aegis Trust.

My love and prayers go out to Eddie, Stephen and James and all their family at this time.

Pam

I was so very, very sad to hear of the passing of Mrs Smith. I first met this wonderful lady when I came to work at Beth Shalom six years ago, as I embarked upon on my first museum sector job. From the moment I set foot in the beautiful gardens I felt that the place was alive with a kind of vibrance and aura around it, and I quickly learned that its beating heart was Bethany. I was soon invited for tea with Marina, and I was humbled and delighted that she would take the time to welcome me, as a young new member of staff, in such a personal way. Over the years that followed I saw Mrs Smith regularly at events, or collecting survivor speakers from their famous teas with her to bring back to the Centre for their talks, and I witnessed over and over again the genuine kindness, warmth and love with which she treated everyone she met. It was truly heart warming to see the way the survivor family felt so at home and peaceful when they were at Beth Shalom and above all, with Mrs Smith. It inspired me and gave me a whole new level of understanding of my role and how I could help the Centre's cause. The job became more than just a job, but a real personal mission, and I have been beyond honoured to work for Mrs Smith.

On a personal level, every big event in my life was acknowledged by Mrs Smith, be it marriage or birth of children, always by a sweet card and message or gift. Even up to a fortnight before her passing, she sent me several beautiful messages of support and prayers to help me through the most difficult challenge of my life, and I cannot express how much this meant to know she was thinking of me and my family. Her capacity to remember things about people and the genuine interest she took in everyone's lives astounded me and I don't believe I will ever meet anyone who could even come close to Mrs Smith on this.

Although it is the end of an era, I for one will always think of Mrs Smith with a smile and in gratitude that I had the great fortune to have known her, and her memory will truly, genuinely be a lasting source of inspiration for me in all that I do.

Rest in peace Marina xxx

Like so many have said, it is hard to comprehend that you are no longer here.  You have been a guiding force in my life for the last 43 years, through all the major events of life, engagement, marriage, children, job, grandchildren etc and loved me like a mother. Underlying all this was the extraordinary way you built in tools for life which I so needed, how you demonstrated unconditional love, respect for all people, and living in the world with purpose underpinned by the power of prayer. You were one of those rare people who made you feel you were the one person you wanted to talk to at that moment, even though your schedule was so packed.  Thank you for always taking the time to tell me things as they were, and then for forgiving and enabling a way forward with such great understanding and love.  You built a rock on which to stand.

Seeing the photos of your beautiful home at Bethany, brings back so many memories of the cherishing one felt when in your presence.  All your lovely things, displayed so carefully, reflected you, and brought one into a depth of life which could sometimes take your breath away with its colour, generosity and sense of eternity. If walls could talk, how many beautiful, moving, sad, celebratory and magnificent stories could they speak of, as your life touched so many countless numbers. I used to love going to see you and just enjoy being in the ambience you created. It was Home with you.  Thank you for your incredible faith and your inspiration to follow wholly, and for your constant encouragement. My words are inadequate because you know what sort of life you saved me from, and what you built. Your faithful love through 4 generations of my family has been so rich, enabling undeserved blessing, and I pray that we will carry on living in the way you have taught us, whatever lies ahead, having your legacy hidden deep in our hearts. 

I will be forever grateful for the richness of the values and faith you shared with me. I miss your presence, but thank you for your shining inspiration, love and understanding of people which will live on like the ripples of a stone thrown into a pond flowing out and out. I pray this is so in this broken world we occupy. How we need your example at this time, brought here for this time in history. You showed how to live in a practical and real way, building a Garden of Love around you here on earth. Now you are in the eternal Garden of Love with your Eternal Reward shining down upon you.. 
With all my love and gratitude. Joy

Marina Smith
A wonderful woman of compassion and faith. It was an honour to know her. The world is a better place for all her good works and kindness. She will be greatly missed

Dearest Mother

It hasn’t yet sunk in that you will no longer be at Bethany. You leave an aching void , but we also know you have run the race with boldness, focus and determination and received your eternal reward in the Heavenlies. We love you so much.

It is the most amazing privilege to have received your love and encouragement throughout my life. You laid down your life for me and my family again and again. Gave me self respect , loved me and forgave me when I didn’t deserve it. Helped me fight my own shortcomings. 
Thank you doesn’t even express a fraction , dear Mother.

I remember you coming to Ollerton in 1972 and I would baby sit for Stephen and James . You went on to be the guiding light to four generations of our family, beginning with my mother who used to pray together with Grandma Fleming all those years ago right up to grandchildren Isabella and Evie who sent you a get well card recently – a whale with chicken pox which made you chuckle as I remember!

You sent birthday letters faithfully every year, each of them personal and apt – all expressing gratitude for support over the previous year – I have kept all of them in a box. But dear Mother it is you who supported us, not the other way round.

But not just for my family but for countless other families and individuals across the globe.
Every day you cared for the needy and downtrodden, fought injustice, showed compassion.

You possessed a vibrant faith, and had the capacity to love thousands. Your eye for and attention to detail was impeccable right up to the last moment. Rivers of life flowed from you. We will miss you sorely, your vitality, faith, humour and perspective. 

I love you
Goodbye for now


Stuart

Dear Stephen, James, grandchildren and family. In the Jewish tradition I wish you long life. My words echo all the tributes to Marina a woman of supreme worth, a woman whose price was truly above rubies. On a personal level I share your sadness. A light has gone out of our personal world and of the world at large. Only three weeks ago when she must’ve been feeling very ill she took the trouble to send me flowers on the anniversary of my beloved Steve’s death with her usual loving and comforting words. My heart goes out to Eddie as well and I can understand the grief and absence he must be feeling. Marina was truly an exceptional human being and I am sure she HAS taken her place amongst the angels. May she rest in peace in the knowledge that her remarkable family will continue her legacy in the future. With love and gratitude for having her include Steve and I in her orbit.
Hilary Mendelsson.

It is with great sadness I heard the news of the passing of Marina. She was without doubt one of the loveliest people I have ever met. Her amazing life story will never be forgotten by so many peoples lives that she has touched. I feel so privileged that I was able to sculpt her at Beth Shalom and get to know her through my sculpting and then to be able to see her face when the bust was unveiled was so moving.
Sending love to all her family
From Frances

Dear James, Stephen, Eddie, Natalia, Aaron, Steph, Ariella, Seth, Sebastian, and all the extended family,
We were so very saddened to hear of the passing of Marina, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad and difficult time.
There are few people in this world who leave a legacy and Marina has done just that. She will be remembered for now by many but also she will be remembered forever. History will not forget her.
Let your hearts be filled with joy from all the happy memories you have of Marina rather than sadness at your loss.
With love,
Iona, Neil, Amy & Bailey

Words fail me.

It was foolish, I know, to think that you would always be here. When I look back, you have been a vital part of my life and conscience for over half of my life. You opened your home and welcomed me to this country and showed me what goodness and kindness means. Compassion, Grace, Love, Generousity, Forgiveness, Faithfulness, Truth - you showed me the meaning of these, not through words but through your deeds. You were the epitome of a steadfast heart and mind.

I have so many memories of you and will miss you dearly, mother of my heart. I am forever grateful to have had the privilege of knowing you, to have been able to share part of your life and that of your loving family.

I didn't know what to say on receiving the unexpected and devastating news about the passing away of Marina Smith who had been such an important part of my life and that of my family. How can I sum up in a few lines what she meant to us and to so many others? For many years, she was a Mother to me, to us, and it is impossible to imagine life without her because she was always there.

We first met ‘Mother’ in 1984 when our older son was only 4 months old. (Our second son was born the following year.) She counselled my husband and me through our early years of marriage and parenthood. She was never afraid to tell us the truth about our lives even when it was something we, and especially I, didn’t want to hear! Fortunately, we chose to listen and were blessed with her help and friendship for 38 years. My own natural mother, although several years older than her, also looked upon her as a Mother and was always expressing gratitude and giving support because she very much valued the love she received from her which had started at the time of her bereavement when my father died in 1985 and continued until the day she herself died three years ago. There are so many fond memories we have of Mother, far too many to recount here. I remember how she and her husband, Eddie, visited our current home not long after our first grandchild came over from Rwanda with his dad to live with us. It was 2009 and our grandson was only two-and-a-half. She played with some of his toys with him, making him feel at home in our ‘strange’ land. Over the years since, he was often invited to visit her at her home and he truly valued and appreciated the time spent with her.

Whatever one’s race or religion, whatever one’s age or circumstances, Mother could relate to each and every individual who came to her and reach out to them with compassion and understanding. She would share in their joys as well as their sorrows. Many people will know how Mother’s sacrificial love extended to people, not just in the UK but throughout the world and especially to Survivors of the Holocaust and other Genocides who felt able to open up their hearts to her. Many shared with her their stories which they had previously felt unable to tell anyone and so brought release to their long-tormented souls. How full of gratitude I am that she was part of my life and allowed me in small way to be part of hers!

Mother gave me direction and a sense of purpose for my life, always setting an example of how to live. My hope is to continue in the way she set before me. According to the dictionary, the word ‘unique’ means ‘the only one of its kind; unlike anything else’. Mother was indeed the only one of her kind and there is truly no one who can compare with her.

The Matriarch of Beth Shalom

When Mrs Smith’s reputation as a counsellor first reached our ears, she had already established, as a Methodist Ministers wife, a unique family home of loving care and had followed this up with her husband and sons, Beth Shalom, a house of peace. Her family would be able to be extended to include others and her counselling and love and acceptance would help many. She was already known internationally.

It was 6 years into the life of Beth Shalom, some 38 years ago, that Shirley and I first came to Beth Shalom. Mrs Smith welcomed us like a mother and listened to all our problems at the time and helped us make a fresh start on married life. It was as if we had come home. For all the years since, she has continued to inspire a desire to care about others. If only we can aspire to a fraction of her ethos, it will be enough. Her warmth and love included our two sons, their partners and our three grandchildren and as a family we benefited greatly. The love and counselling even included Shirley’s mum, aunt, relatives, and our friends.

In the passage of time, we witnessed that warmth and love reaching out to an ever-increasing number of families. Her reputation as a counsellor and Mother had reached to at least 5 of the 7 continents in this world. Word of mouth, from those who had experienced her ministry, gave hope to those in need.

Mrs Smith’s hugs and unfathomable ability to understand people touched the lives of orphans and widows too. She was especially treasured by those who had experienced the trauma of Genocide and so countless victims found the beginning of healing in their lives. Her unique ability to understand and her welcoming heart renewed their hope for the future.

When Mrs Smith’s sons discovered the way in which the world had failed to fully understand the depth of suffering experienced by many of the Holocaust Survivors, she was right there with her sons. Her life’s work, Beth Shalom, was given over to the Survivors of the Holocaust as a home of understanding and love for them. Mrs Smith and her sons became the founding directors.

The Survivors not only received the love and understanding they needed, but also found assistance to speak about their experiences. The gardens provided a suitable place to record the names of their loved ones lost, and to plant a rose in their memory. Such was their gratitude that they happily supported the award of an MBE to Mrs Smith by Her Majesty the Queen.

When Mrs Smith wrote her memoirs, she tried her hardest to be succinct and factual. Even so, the Memoirs extend to over 50 volumes. Her life’s work continued apace in retirement, and such were the comings and goings at her retirement home, Bethany, that it had something of the business of a mainline railway station yet maintaining her unique ability to listen to every detail of a person’s life that was on their heart at just that minute to share.

Some of the most rewarding moments for her included: Receiving her MBE, Her Majesty the Queen recognising her sons in Her birthday honours, the 20th Anniversary of the opening of Beth Shalom, celebrated at Westminster Abbey, and the announcement at the 24th Anniversary that she was indeed the Matriarch of Beth Shalom.