I miss my mother deeply but remember every day she was driven by her Christian principles, embraced the concept in Judaism of Tikkun Olam (repairing a broken world) and embodied the Rwandan values of Ubumuntu: Humanity and Greatness of Heart. Her belief shone in her life and acts. For the: stranger, you shared your home[…]
We are not very good at dying, and yet, it is the one thing in our lives that we are all certain to do sometime. It is one of the great acts of living – some die in valor, some in pain, some young, others old – and my mother has been preparing for it every day[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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 people’s lives that she has touched. I feel so privileged that I was able to sculpt her[…]
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[…]
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,[…]
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[…]
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[…]
As a Holocaust Educator I visited Laxton a number of times. what a thoughtful, kind lady Marina was and a wonderful hostess I had the privilege of a delicious birthday lunch at Laxton with Eddie and Eve Oppenheimer – the three of us shared a birthday and I think of both of them each year[…]
Over a long period of time, especially in her ‘retirement’ years and right up to the Covid19 lockdown, to raise funds in support of the genocide prevention and humanitarian work of Aegis Trust, Mrs Marina Smith always held wonderful garden tea parties in the Spring and summer and various special events in her cosy home, Bethany during[…]
Dearest Friend Marina, First I met Stephen and James at a Nuernberg/Fuerth reunion in the Catskill Mountains of New York; I was so impressed with what they had to say that I just had to meet this very special lady, Marina. When my friend Henry and I came to England to visit family, we made[…]
I, my family and my friends and colleagues at the University of Nottingham are deeply saddened to hear the news of Marina’s passing. She was a remarkable women and loved by all those lucky enough to call the Centre our home. I have had the privilege of attending many events at the Centre and witnessed[…]
I think her legacy speaks for itself and the outpouring of emotion tells its own story. For my part she was the paragon of kindness who always looked out for my mother and radiated warmth love and affection. She will be missed but her legacy will live on. Rest in Power.
I am so sad to hear that Marina will not host us for tea again. That we won’t hear her sense of gratitude and love in her special notes at Rosh Hashana and Peseach again. I am grateful to have sat with her in the garden so many times and been able to call her[…]
No one could be left untouched by Marina’s kindness and thoughtfulness! To have had the deep feeling and empathy to conceive the opening of the Memorial Centre was quite extraordinary. No thanks are enough for what she and your family have done. We will always remember the wonderful hospitality she offered us when I visited[…]
I remember so well when you and your family arrived at Cliff ~College to speak, 1978 I recall. Steven was about 14 yrs old and led worship. I was a student there then. Your family were clearly anointed and I felt that even then. My parents Liz and Bob Grainger came to Bethshalom many times,[…]
Dearest Smith family I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful inspiration to all of us and I am privileged to have known her. You will. never be forgotten
If you never met Marina Smith, I couldn’t begin to describe what a remarkable lady she was. If you did meet her, you wouldn’t need me to. So many would say, “How on earth did Stephen and James create the Holocaust Centre and Aegis Trust?” Then they’d meet Marina and say, “Ah … now it[…]
Our Mother has left us. We cannot believe it. She who was always there is now in eternity. If ever there was a one ready it was she. Not only was she ready she was ALWAYS ready. She lived her life to the full here on earth, yet she always had her eyes on eternity. That is the goal –[…]
Dear Marina The last time we had lunch with you, dear Marina, was on the 21st of April 2022 We did not realise that this would be the last time. Your inspiration and courage how you dealt with your declining health was remarkable. You always had a smile even if you were in pain. You[…]
My wonderful spiritual Mother you helped to change my life and helped me through so many dark years You showed me what real love is and always pointed me to Jesus. You showed me by your life and your love for me. You always prayed for me and for my family and when we moved away[…]
We are so sorry for your loss, Stephen — you and your family are in our thoughts. Sandy & Michael Russell
My dearest Mother and best friend on this earth, the great debt I owe you cannot adequately be expressed. What an amazing life you have lived. Your life-changing, world-changing work has been so unique and precious. It is going to continue. The rivers of life will continue to flow out into this needy world. Meanwhile,[…]
It is with great sadness that I read the email yesterday informing me that dear Marina had passed away. Marina was a very special person, with a very special soul. From the first moment when she hugged me over 20 years ago coming off the coach, when I first visited the Holocaust Centre, I knew[…]