Wavie Marie (Darling) Smyer was born in Kenova, West Virgina. In September 1943 Wavie enlisted and proudly served as a WAVE in the U.S. Navy during WWII. In August 1944 Wavie and Albert C. Smyer, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, were married, and in September 1945 Wavie was honorably discharged. After living in the Bronx and Hicksville NY, Wavie’s family moved to Poulsbo, WA in 1965. Shortly after moving to Poulsbo, Wavie began working as a nurse’s aide at Ebenezer and then Martha & Mary Nursing homes until her retirement in 1988 when she and Albert moved to Salmon Arm, B.C. Canada. In November 2011, Wavie moved back to Washington State to live with her son’s family.
Wavie was preceded in death by her husband Albert C. Smyer, her brothers: Arthur Joseph, Lawrence, Paul, Virgil, & Clarence; her sisters: Irene, Dorothy, Anna Lee, & Iona Mae. Wavie is survived by her brother John Darling of Lorain, OH.; her 2 daughters: Frances Cole (Russell) of Prince Edward Island (Canada) and Candace Green (Tom) of San Jose, CA; her son Timothy Smyer (Rebekah) of Edmonds, WA; her 9 grandchildren: Cheri Green Traenkle, Peter Cole, Traci Green Nawahine, James Cole, Kristin Green Thomas, Shehalee Smyer, Payton Smyer, Savanna Smyer, and Shyanne Smyer; her 12 great grandchildren, with 2 on the way; and 1 great-great grandchild.
As the first born, Wavie loved and cared for many of her brothers and sisters. She will be remembered for her caring nature and love for her family and friends. Wavie had a tireless work habit and enjoyed gardening, baking, and knitting. Wavie will be deeply missed, but we are comforted that she now sits in the light of God and in the midst of his pure love.
Family and friends were invited to attend a memorial service at Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home in Bremerton, WA on Monday, February 17th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: American Legion Service Girls, Post 204 Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 2322, Everett, WA. 98123; Martha & Mary At Home, 19160 Front Street NE, P.O. Box 127, Poulsbo, WA. 98370; and New Beginnings Church, Handicapped Chair Lift Project, 5300 168th St. SW., Lynnwood, WA. 98037.
Please visit www.miller-woodlawn.com to view her life story and leave tributes for the family.