BIG ISLAND – Elaine Marie Smith, 70, Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow, formerly of Big Island, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2015 in the manor, surrounded by her loving family. Born in New Glasgow, she was a daughter of the late John Herbert Phalen and Myrtle Nina (Munroe) (Phalen) MacLaughlin. Elaine was employed with Gallery 448 for several years. She was a passionate artist, working mainly with oils and watercolours, sharing her talent with many students. Elaine was a member of Christian Fellowship Church, New Glasgow. She treasured spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Elaine enjoyed reading, writing short stories, poetry, playing Yahtzee and card games. Throughout her life and illness, she faced each day with grace and dignity, trusting daily in her Lord. Surviving are her daughters, Shannon (Cartie) MacNeil, Pictou Landing; Bonny (Bob) Webster, Merigomish; grandchildren, Ryan, Logan and Emma; sisters, Glenda MacIntosh, (Eldie Ross), Chance Harbour; Colleen (Lux) MacDonald, Trenton; Isabel Asprey, Big Island; Lillian (Mick) O’Hearn, Halifax; brothers, Fred (Carol) Phalen, Trenton; Russell (Priscilla) Phalen, Spring Hill; Cyril (Jill) Phalen, Sarnia, Ont.; Jack (Edith) Phalen, Halifax; Barry (Shirley) Phalen, Merigomish; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, James “Buddy” Smith; son, Jason Smith; sisters, Nora MacGrath, Florence Chisholm and Jean Carver; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Asprey, Fred MacGrath, Jimmy Chisholm and Morris Carver. The family will receive visitor’s 6-8 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 10th and, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 11th in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday Nov 12th in the chapel with Pastor Alan Klein officiating. Interment will be in Murray’s Point Cemetery, Lower Barney’s River. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!” To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Elaine Marie Smith, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.