It was an honour and a privilege to have known marina and her amazing family since I first visited beth shalom over 25 years ago.
Her kindness and warmth was all-consuming and her deep genuine interest and concern for everyone she met was amazing.
On a personal level she always wrote such beautiful personal messages full
of love, affection and genuine interest.

I am a better person from being lucky enough to have enjoyed her company and scrummy teas with her and Eddie.
She has left an indelible contribution to mankind.… Read the rest

My very sincere condolences to Stephen and James and all of the extended family.

I first met the special lady I was privileged to call mother in 1981 and last saw her on Mother’s Day 2022. In all that long time she remained the same. The same sweet smile, the same loving arms. I can never put into words what she meant to me and all of those wonderful memories are stored in my heart forever.
She was an outstanding and extraordinary person who changed the lives of so many for the better.
With grateful thanks and all my love.… Read the rest

Dear Mother,
We will miss you, yet you have accomplished your work here on earth, amazingly! How glorious and uplifting to know the Lord holding your hand and the host of angels beside you as your journey carried on to Glorious Eternal life with God.

We know you will be still watching over us. The books, cards, letters, emails, and so much more. You have prepared us with everything to carry on as you want us to grow, thank you.

Mrs Smith took us under her wings. Her steadfast love has kept us and never let us go.… Read the rest

“Those we held in our arms for a short while, we keep in our hearts forever. It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember”

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Smith.… Read the rest

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 place was alive with a kind of vibrance and aura around it, and I quickly learned that its beating heart was Bethany. I was soon invited for tea with Marina, and I was humbled and delighted that she would take the time to welcome me, as a young new member of staff, in such a personal way.… Read the rest

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 opened ‘The Journey’ museum. Amazingly on this very day a secretary from Liberal Judaism, London, had posted to Beth Shalom a document which they believed should be archived at Laxton.… Read the rest

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, cared for me and taught me, setting my feet on a rock.

You have been a true lifeline to me in countless ways and your sacrificial love has not only touched myself and my family but many many others across the globe.… Read the rest

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 you built in tools for life which I so needed, how you demonstrated unconditional love, respect for all people, and living in the world with purpose underpinned by the power of prayer. … Read the rest