SMALE, Lia (nee Kuusk) RN

After a six year battle with the ravages of osteoporosis, Lia Smale (nee Kuusk) passed away at the Sault Area Hospital the morning of December 27th.  She is missed by her husband of 57 years, W. Herbert Smale, her son Brian (Shelley) of Seattle WA and their children Calvin Alexander and Charlotte Rose, and her daughter Sharon (Jim) of Winnipeg, MB. Lia was the only child of Anette Marie Cameron and Aleksander Kuusk, born April 6th 1924 in Tallin, Estonia.   Many of her plans and dreams were cut short by WW II.    She survived the sinking of the Moero on Sept 22, 1944, but sadly lost both her parents.  Lia was one of only 650 survivors on the Red Cross Hospital ship that held 3,000 passengers.  She completed one year of medical school just as the war broke out.  Once she made her way to Scotland, she changed direction and completed her nursing education.  Lia came to Canada in 1954.  She will be remembered by her nursing colleagues as an Assistant Director of Nursing at the Plummer Memorial Hospital in the late 50s, early 60s. Herb’s career with the CPR took them to many places in Ontario, in all of which she worked as a nurse.  She was most proud of her association with and the work done at Baycrest Geriatric Centre in Toronto.  Upon Herb’s retirement, they returned to the Soo.   Lia volunteered at the Art Gallery and at the reception area of the Soo General Hospital.  She enjoyed her time at the hospital, helping families and friends connect with patients.  She and Herb travelled the world and had many a good story and photos to share from these adventures.  The family would like to thank the staff of the Davey Home on Birch Lane 2 for the wonderful care and compassion they provided Lia during her 32 month residency there.  If you would like to honour Lia’s memory, a donation to the FJ Davey Home would be greatly appreciated.  New Year’s Eve was one of Lia’s most enjoyable holidays.  She loved to dance.  Lia has declined a service or viewing, so in her memory, please share a dance with the ones you love. (Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 705-759-2522). Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com