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[…]
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
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[…]
We will never forget Marina’s kindness, warmth and affection shown to us when we visited her and Eddie. The very welcoming afternoon tea was much appreciated after our journey to Laxton. We shall always remember the walk around their beautiful garden in the sunshine. Later on the same day Marina arranged an interesting guided tour of the recently[…]
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,[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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,[…]
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[…]