Peacefully, our sweet, strong, and beautiful little girl, surrounded by her brother Alden, and Dada, passed away in her Mama’s arms at the BC Children’s Hospital. On November 29, 2012, Aaron and Liberty received their greatest gift of all; being parents to the most special little girl. She brought a sense of purpose to our lives which made every minute of every day better. From an early age, Adaea was drawn to the water, beginning with her baths at home and as she grew older, swims at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre. If there was water around, she would swim in it. Her favourite places to swim included the Marina Beach in Oak Bay (yes, cold salt water), Lake Joseph in Muskoka, where Liberty has a family cottage and Weston Lake, on Salt Spring Island. During her time at BC Children’s, it was swimming she missed most. Born into a family of dancers (thank you Gran Gran), Adaea loved to dress up and dance to any music playing. She participated in many dance classes but freestyle dancing at home with her brother was her favourite.
Enjoying neighbourhood parks and play spaces with Alden was a daily routine of hers (after a daily morning olive bun visit from Tom of course). Adaea very determinedly mastered the monkey bars at a young age. Adaea started Kindergarten at St. Patrick’s School in September 2017 and enjoyed every minute of her time there. Her school career was cut short when on December 19, 2017, Adaea was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Adaea spent the majority of the following year as an inpatient receiving 7 rounds of chemotherapy. Following her first four rounds, Adaea was declared in remission and we were able to come home for almost three months.
We had a wonderful summer, embracing every moment, with a highlight trip to Camp Goodtimes, where Adaea and Alden swam and experienced new opportunities with other families going through similar journeys. In August 2018, Adaea relapsed with AML and we spent the remaining months at Children’s Hospital. On November 29, 2018, her birthday, she received a Bone Marrow Transplant. Although she never swam again, her time in hospital was happy. She handled all the medication with such strength and bravery and never let it get her down. She never complained and touched the hearts of so many nurses, doctors, child life specialists, and volunteers. She was sassy and sweet and woke up each day wanting to play. The 8th floor became our home and we all developed friendships with the incredible team of support.
We are forever grateful to everyone at Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald for making our time in Vancouver as good as it possibly could be, given the circumstances. We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to our amazing community of Oak Bay and Victoria for the endless support of our family.
Adaea is survived by her brother, Alden, Mama, Liberty, and Dada, Aaron. Her Uncle Barney, Aunt Buffy, and cousins, Tavin, Tate, and Kyla. Her Uncle Rainbow, Aunt Sarah, and cousins, Zayden, Auley Mae, and Laurelle. Her Uncle Oliver, Uncle Drew, Uncle Corey, and Auntie Jett. Her Auntie Leah, Uncle Paul, and cousins, Colton and Blake. Her grandparents Tom and Jojo, Steve and Julie and her great-grandmother Joan Randall, Adaea’s middle namesake.
Adaea was strong and graceful in life and in her battle with AML but the disease was bigger than her. She will always be in our hearts and we will miss her every day.
A Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 1:30 pm.
Tributes, if desired can be made in Adaea’s name to the charity Balding for Dollars or Ronald McDonald House Charity, two charities that provided opportunities and a home away from home for Adaea and her family.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Naiyna Sharma
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Peter Gardiner Dear Liberty,
You have shown such strength and courage throughout this heartbreaking journey.
My love and prayers go out to you and your family.
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Peter McLeod Dear Liberty
I am so sad to hear about your little girl. I know if she was anything like her mom , she must have been a joy to be with and that she brightened any room she entered. I know she is still with you in spirit .
You are in my thoughts ,
Pete
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Don & Sharon Moore My heartfelt condolences to Aaron, Liberty and Alden, in the tragic loss of sweet little Adaea. What an inspiration She was and will continue to be for all of those who knew her.
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Paul A child is always with us. First in their lifetime, and then in our memory. What a wonderful spirit to have with you always. With deepest sympathies – Paul and Rachel Hawksworth
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Kevin Cook Dear Liberty and family,
I cannot begin to imagine the heartache that you are undergoing at this time. Hold on to the joy that your beautiful daughter brought into your lives and may her spirit fill you every day. Please know that our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all.
Kevin Cook & family
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Dominique Chapheau, Kerry Liggins, Stephan’ Christpher’Felicia,and their partners Words are so very inadequate to express how deeply sorry we are for your terrible loss. We are thinking of you . Our deepest and heartfelt condolences .
Dominique and I are very sorry we are unable to attend the service as we are out of the country.
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Courtney VanGeest Liberty & Aaron,
Please know your courage facing Adaea’s treatments show your strength of character. This strength would have been everything Adaea needed from her parents to face her journey. That courage and strength will carry you both and Alden through the days ahead.
Continue to share your story. Lean on those around you for support. They love you dearly.
Liberty, I met you a lifetime ago. I hear so much of your strength and loving care. Your bravery is a gift that not many possess. You have done the very best for both your children.
Our hearts break for your entire family. We have no way of knowing the depth of your heartbreak. We can only pray that you feel peace and love surround you.
Courtney (Steven), Joel, Grayson & Isabel Van Geest
(childhood friend of Buffy – ONT)
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Joan Tweedie Dear Liberty,
We have been so saddened by the loss of your beautiful Adaea. She fought bravely with her loving Mama at her side and all your devoted family. Clare, David and Katherine join us in sending you our deepest sympathy. With love from the Tweedie family: Joan and Rob, Katherine, David and Clare.
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Dorothy Hawes Dear Liberty & family,
I was so saddened to hear about your beautiful daughter’s passing. What a difficult journey you have been through. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
With love,
Dorothy Hawes
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Thomas Williams I believe that Robin Spicer said it as well as one can
“ I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved superhero.
She was a star and will be deeply missed”
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Barb Fraser Liberty, Aaron, Alden, Julie and families,
We send heartfelt condolences to each of you at this horrendous time. Someone as special as Adaea will never be forgotten; even though she was only six years old, Adaea made a lasting impression on everyone she met and was an inspiration to those who never knew her!
What stands out to me is Adaea’s ability to remain happy and so strong during these past months; truly a superhero! This is testament to her amazing family who led by example and cherished time with their precious girl.
A parent’s love is unparalleled, therefore a parent’s loss unimaginable.
Please know you are in our thoughts.
Barb, Ian, Adrienne & Hunter Fraser
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John Martin To the Smart family…Please accept our deepest condolences. We are thinking about you and we are so sorry for your family’s loss.
John, Molly, Casey and Cooper Martin.
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Jim de Goede Dear Liberty and family, as the tears roll down my cheeks, I think of your daughter, Adaea, and the immense hole in your lives. I know that words are inadequate, I simply wanted you to know that I was thinking of you. Jim de Goede
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Suzanne Ivey Cook I was so heartbroken to hear about your beautiful Adaea. My thoughts are with your entire family at this very sad time.
Suze Ivey Cook
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Scott and Debbie Adams Your family and beautiful, brave and strong baby girl are in our daily thoughts.
From Scott, Debbie, Amanda and Kendyll Adams. (St. Patrick’s school family)
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Christine Cooper My deepest, heartfelt condolences to Adaea’s family. She is an angel and on her journey on earth, also an angel. Adaea’s joy and strength is forever in so many hearts.
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Michelle Du Preez Dear Liberty and family,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you on the loss of your beautiful daughter.
So heartbreaking words cannot express.
Thinking of you and all.
Warmest wishes
Michelle Du Preez and family
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Danielle Nelson To the Smart family,
Words don’t express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I was so blessed to have been Adaea’s Kindergarten teacher and to have developed a close bond with your family. She was a ray of sunshine, loved by all and spread happiness every day at school. Adaea was so proud of her brother and so deeply loved her parents. Her face lit up when Jojo or her Mama joined us in the classroom. I will forever cherish the canvas I have with her print on it that was done at BCCH – she has forever left a print on my heart. Pink has a new meaning: a reminder of Adaea’s loving, sweet spirit and her amazing courage and strength.
Sending my most sincerest condolences and love to all the Smart family.
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Janet Johnson Dear Liberty, Aaron, Alden, & Family,
She touched so many lives & enriched us all. Now she’s dancing and looking down from heaven. Hold onto the memories of the wonderful times you shared with your precious angel. Adaea will always be with you sending you strength, hugs, love and butterfly kisses.
Thinking of you all and holding you up in prayer.
Love,
Janet
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Jean Ives Dear Liberty and all. What a sad journey you have been on this past year and what a beautiful tribute to Adaea in today’s paper. My deepest condolences on this unimaginable loss. Jean Ives
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Deanne Paulson Words fail to express the deep sorrow and loss we feel at St. Patrick’s School. Although Adaea only attended St. Patrick’s for 4 short months, she made her mark on the school community as a sweet, beautiful, fun-loving child. May you find comfort in knowing that we will be celebrating and honouring Adaea with a prayer service and special planting in our outdoor classroom, Seventh Heaven.
On behalf of the school community, please accept my deepest condolences on your tragic loss.
May the Lord enfold you in his mercy,
Deanne Paulson
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Jo Beattie To the Smart Family … sincere sympathy on the loss of your beautiful, brave, loving daughter. Her little life was poignant and so meaningful. In her short time she touched many lives in many ways. Our school will keep her close in our hearts. Much love to all of you at this very challenging time.
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Tim Hegedus Heartfelt condolences to you all. Adaea was a beautiful child who was dearly loved. May you know deep comfort and peace and courage as you mourn her loss.
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Volunteer - B Adaea changed my life from the moment I met her. Every week I looked forward to visiting her, hearing her laugh and playing with her. I felt a great bond with her, as well as her family for being so welcoming of me. The Smart family has a special place in my heart. Adaea has taught me what type of person I want to be, and inspires me to be the best I can be in my future career working in healthcare. The beautiful christmas picture she gave me is on my wall, surrounded by butterflies and flowers. I think of her everyday, and I will continue to remember her and honour her memory for the rest of my life. Because of Adaea, I signed up to be a bone marrow donor. Because of Adaea, so many lives have been touched and changed forever.
My heart breaks for her and your family, and I send my most loving thoughts to you at this time. Thank you for being the most amazing parents to a real life angel, she will never be forgotten and forever live in our hearts.
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Dylan Fraser Thinking of you guys every second through this tragic time.
Mom will take good care of your baby
Love,
The Frasers
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Glynis Brown May the love we are sending you all provide you with strength and support that will help carry you through this challenging time.
Glynis, Elissa and Matthew Brown
Today I walked the stretch by Oak Bay and took a few pictures of this bench adorned with flowers, overlooking this expansive sky, under an arch of intertwined branches. When I leaned in closer I saw this commemorative plaque and thought how beautiful to be loved and honoured in such a way. I said a prayer and left. Later I posted some of the pictures and plaque and someone noticed the age on it and pointed it out. And I wept and then I searched the name and came here and wept some more. Just wanted to send you all so much love and know that your little girl’s spirit still touches people even today and inspires us all to live and love a little harder. May your family be covered in grace and from one mama to another. Sending love and light. May 7, 2022.