K.M.Smith Funeral Directors in Bowen Hills | Funeral service & cemetery

K.M.Smith Funeral Directors

Locality: Bowen Hills

Phone: +61 7 3252 2031

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Funeral service & cemetery

25.01.2022 Wishing you a Christmas full of what matters most: people....and the pets, like Archie, who love us unconditionally, every day of the year.

24.01.2022 Dear Families, Kate Mary Smith and her staff assisted Queenslanders generations ago in our state's worst natural disaster, the Spanish Flu of 1919. Now, as then, for the safety of all, we are needing to take great precautions.... While it is not possible to hold funeral services in the ways we are accustomed to, we are here to assist you to have a funeral in whatever way is possible, be it streaming small bespoke services or having a graveside committal with immediate family. Our staff are constantly being updated with the latest regulations relating to funerals in order to offer you what is possible now. Please contact us at any time 24 hours 7 days for assistance. We are here for you.

22.01.2022 Eighty-eight years have passed since our foundress, Kate Mary Smith died. Excerpts from her funeral notice in The Brisbane Courier on Tuesday 14 June 1932 give some indication of the remarkable woman she was: immigrant, wife, widow, mother, great-grandmother and Queenslands first lady funeral director: The death occurred yesterday of Mrs K.M. Smith, the well-known funeral director, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs M. Willmington, Nundah on Monday morning... She was of... a very charitable disposition, and many memorials are placed to her generosity in Brisbane. She was beloved by all creeds... She is survived by her two sons and one daughter, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Two daughters and one son predeceased her. Rest in peace Kate Mary Smith.

22.01.2022 Our dear Therapy Dog Archie celebrated his 2nd birthday on the weekend. Over the last two years he has made many friends and touched lives young and old with his gentle presence.

22.01.2022 A big thank you! As we slowly start to return to ‘normal’, it is with sincere appreciation that we wish to convey our thanks for your understanding and patience during the past few months, especially if in that time someone close to you has passed away. Funerals are a precious part of life. Being able to simply gather together to celebrate and mourn the death of someone special is a privilege now appreciated more than ever.... We are pleased to once again be able to welcome you into all our branches and to offer our full range of services (whilst working within Government guidelines). No matter what the circumstance, we are here to answer any questions you may have regarding up-to-date information on funerals. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you... there is always a member of our staff on the end of the phone 24/7, simply call 3252 2031. Yours sincerely, Laurel Shanley CEO, K.M.Smith Funeral Directors kmsmith.com.au

21.01.2022 In December, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons. Sylvan Woods Aged Care Facility at Birkdale held a High Tea at their facility to celebrate the occasion. The guests and residents were treated to a wonderful morning tea lovingly prepared by families and staff at the centre.

21.01.2022 "With Honour they served" On Friday 27th September we remember and honour Queensland Police Service officers who have been killed in the line of duty. We also remember and honour staff members, retired police, and officers who have died off duty.... K.M.Smith staff member Megan placed a wreath at the Memorial Service.

21.01.2022 K.M.Smith staff and their families celebrated their Christmas Party at the New Farm Bowls Club this year. The weather stayed kind (although a little hot ) and it was a great day to gather together for some fun and friendship.

20.01.2022 Gender equality is not only a basic human right, but its achievement has enormous socio-economic ramifications. Empowering women fuels thriving economies, spurring productivity and growth. Yet gender inequalities remain deeply entrenched in every society. Women lack access to work and face occupational segregation and gender wage gaps. They are too often denied access to basic education and health care. Women in all parts of the world suffer violence and discrimination. They... are under-represented in political and economic decision-making processes. This morning, Adrienne Ryan, Jennie McIntosh and K.M.Smith's CEO, Laurel Shanley supported the UN Women Australia's International Women's Day breakfast. The K.M.Smith family have always celebrated our founder, Kate Mary, as a pioneering woman within the Funeral Industry from a time that began more than 135 years ago.

20.01.2022 Last month we celebrated 6 months with our new staff member - Archie the therapy dog. Congratulations Archie! You have passed your probation with flying colours and we look forward to working with you for many years to come! Here is a photo collage of Archie's first 6 months with us.

20.01.2022 K.M.Smith was once again out and about amongst the Lady Lawn Bowlers of Brisbane. As regular sponsors of The Coorparoo Bowls Club (CBC) , we provide prize money for the day and enjoy participating in the raffles, lunch at the club and some tips on our future bowling careers! It is always a fun day had by all.

20.01.2022 K.M.Smith Funeral Directors were proud to be involved in this years Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs award. The award recognises young women ages 16-19 who demonstrate superior leadership skills and a commitment to public service and civic causes. This unique award encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. Pictured is the Zonta Wynnum Redland winner, Makayla, Wellington Point High School Principle, Dr Robyn Burton-Ree and Councillor Wendy Boglary.

18.01.2022 Our two Therapy Dogs both celebrated birthdays in March: Nate,7 years and Archie, 1 year. We celebrate them both and, as the photos here show, they hold a special place in our workplace!

18.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/rupertmccall303/videos/1204422206567993/

18.01.2022 Phoebe and her therapy dog, 'Nate', are on one of their regular rounds at Riverview Gardens, visiting residents in the Independent living, Nursing home and Fairhaven wings. They have made many close bonds and everyone looks forward to 'Nate Day' catch ups.

18.01.2022 Merry Christmas to all from the K.M.Smith family! Wishing you all good tidings this holiday season.

17.01.2022 Happy St Patrick's Day! Born in Dublin in 1846, Kate Mary Smith (nee Farrell) would have celebrated Saint Patrick's day in her home town. Although the devastation of the 1840's potato famine halted the parade in many areas, the great exodus that followed saw Kate and millions of her countrymen and women taking St Patrick's day celebrations out to the world.

17.01.2022 The great print team at Officeworks Windsor always welcome Archie with plenty of pats, hugs and treats. For years now they have helped us recycle our used A4 paper into gummed and cut down note pads for our desks...and watched Archie grow up in the process.

17.01.2022 Archie's First Haircut - Before and After Coming into the hot weather, Archie went under the clippers for his first haircut and emerged as much more visible, long legged and grown up version of himself. We look forward to seeing how his non-puppy coat looks as it grows out!

17.01.2022 For many families Mothers Day is a time when the death of a Mum, Grandmother, Sister, Daughter or Aunt is felt even more strongly. Mothers Day, at some stage for us all, becomes a time to remember, appreciate and commemorate the women that nurtured, supported and inspired us who have now passed on, leaving beautiful footsteps for generations to come to follow in. Our own Kate Mary Smith became a mother for the first time in 1868 in the isolated pioneer settlement of Somerse...t at the very tip of Cape York Peninsula (near where the RMS Quetta passenger ship sank in 1890). Her son, John Jnr, was the first non-indigenous child born into what was described as a wild and dangerous frontier port. In 1876 Somerset became redundant when a safer shipping route to the Torres Strait was established. By this time Kate and her family had already been living in Brisbane for two years. Her husband John, weakened by injuries and illness from his service with the Somerset Water Police, had taken up cabinet making in Elizabeth Street. Their family continued to grow under Kates steady care into a brood of six with the sadness of a seventh child stillborn a loss shared by many mothers, but never forgotten.

16.01.2022 We are delighted to begin resuming normal activities in the community once again! Residents from a Nursing Home close to our Goodna office were treated to a visit from our beautiful K.M.Smith therapy dog Nate, whom they showered with many hugs, pats and treats.

16.01.2022 As part of our community involvement, K.M.Smith CEO Laurel was asked to audit the latest lottery draw for the Surf Life Saving Foundation. The purpose of Laurel's attendance was to witness the draw in her capacity as a Justice of the Peace. It was exciting to be present at a moment that will have a significant impact on a person's life. Surf Life Saving Lotteries

15.01.2022 Redlands Women in Business celebrated its 17th Birthday at a lunch on Friday 4th September. RWIB vision is to foster an environment where women in business grow through strengthened relationships that encourage them to share and collaborate. Guest speaker on the day was radio personality Margaux Parker.

14.01.2022 Renaissance Retirement Village Victoria Point held its 11th annual Spring Fair on Sunday. The event attracts crowds of visitors and residents alike, to experience the fun activities, market stalls, street entertainment and delicious food. Victoria Point Branch Manager Craig Seymour, was on hand at the K.M.Smith stall during the well attended and successful event.

14.01.2022 No hiding Bellie's joy at winning our Easter Raffle prize, donated to John Wesley Gardens Residential Aged Care Service, Geebung. Pictured is the winner, Bellie, clearly showing the ageless feeling that comes with winning something delicious! Wesley Mission Queensland

14.01.2022 Hive Aid Campaign sits alongside other programs run by Rural Aid Australia, which directs 100% of donations to the causes it supports. By making a donation, K.M.Smith help support Australia's professional beekeepers, our forgotten farmers. These important primary producers are often overlooked in a time that is becoming one of the toughest seasons on record thanks to the relentless drought and damaging bushfires. We are proud to give support to our "littlest livestock", honey bees and the keepers who care for them. Find out more at https://ruralaid.org.au/hiveaid #SupportAussieBeekeepers #HiveAid #RuralAid

14.01.2022 Easter is about seeing life and death through new eyes. Our warmest wishes to All this much appreciated lockdown-free Easter.

14.01.2022 Not all the special moments in life are captured, but this picture of Archie sharing a hug with a young family member who was here saying goodbye to someone dear, is one.

11.01.2022 Archie continues to welcome people of all ages to our historical Bowen Hills building as they come to make arrangements or to attend a funeral or viewing. His attentiveness and warmth is a language that knows no age and brings comfort and joy at a time when it is needed most. Here he is wearing the purple loved by a young boy's great-grandmother around his collar and enjoying a gentle pat from a lady coming to make funeral arrangements for her mum.

09.01.2022 Care Expo 2019 brought together a diverse range of community services, businesses and organisations providing products and services from the support, health and care industries, all under the same roof at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Liby from Command On-Call and Michelle from Co-As-It Community Services could not resist the charms of our therapy dog Archie!

09.01.2022 At a recent service in our Kate Mary Chapel, presented by celebrant Anita Standfield, Archie welcomed and then walked amongst the guests during the funeral, being patted throughout. He continues to delight and comfort families and friends in his own unique and lovable way.

08.01.2022 The third annual Bonnor Senior's Expo was held on Thursday at the Wynnum Leagues Club. The Expo included over 50 stallholders from local business, government services and community organisations. Each year the expo grows in numbers and this year saw over 350 locals attend the event. Pictured is Reg Walls from the Mount Gravatt Bowls Club with K.M.Smith's Adrienne Ryan and her sidekick Archie.

08.01.2022 Work has begun on the wall art outside the Kate Mary Chapel featuring a flock of birds in flight. The completed work will arc over the entire wall adjoining the side of our colonial building and will be visible from both Brookes Street at the front and Exhibition Street at the rear. It is a beautiful compliment to the streetscape and should be finished soon by the expert installers from Australian United Rope Access.

08.01.2022 Despite the restrictions on funeral gatherings many families have arranged a bespoke service in our spacious Kate Mary Chapel which both supports social distancing and goes beyond it with live streaming. It is a great bonus that dogs are not part of social distancing and so Archie continues to make people feel welcome!

08.01.2022 As part of our community involvement, K.M.Smith sponsor 35 Lawn Bowl Clubs in the Brisbane area. Mt Gravatt Bowls held their Ladies Six-a-Side competition on Monday and we had the pleasure of attending the event and awarding the prizes. Pictured is the winning team. Congratulations Ladies!

07.01.2022 A big thank you! As we slowly start to return to normal, it is with sincere appreciation that we wish to convey our thanks for your understanding and patience during the past few months, especially if in that time someone close to you has passed away. Funerals are a precious part of life. Being able to simply gather together to celebrate and mourn the death of someone special is a privilege now appreciated more than ever.... We are pleased to once again be able to welcome you into all our branches and to offer our full range of services (whilst working within Government guidelines). No matter what the circumstance, we are here to answer any questions you may have regarding up-to-date information on funerals. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you... there is always a member of our staff on the end of the phone 24/7, simply call 3252 2031. Yours sincerely, Laurel Shanley CEO, K.M.Smith Funeral Directors kmsmith.com.au

06.01.2022 In the last few months streaming has become a much appreciated service element, especially in our Kate Mary Chapel, taking funerals to family and friends across the country and the globe. Elaine from Victoria says: I am 81 but lucky enough to be able to enjoy todays technology (while trying to keep warm in Melbourne).Thank you so very much for helping me to take part in Dels event! I got goosebumps as it started then tears at the end. I had a little giggle when that gentleman mentioned it was a cold day in Brisbane at 24 I miss it so much! It was amazing to share the service, thanks again, Elaine x

05.01.2022 This Easter, more than ever, we are reminded of the preciousness of one another and the freedoms so easily taken for granted. May your Easter be one of joy in the little things and wonder in the way that we adapt to life, with all its current restrictions, finding ways to celebrate and be together even when needing to keep apart. Sincerely,... K.M.Smith Staff and Family

04.01.2022 Archie has grown over the last 7 months and sometimes it takes a photo to show just how much! Here he is in a Bunnings trolly, originally in May 2019 and now in January 2020.

04.01.2022 We have had many funeral services in our Kate Mary Chapel with Archie present to welcome and farewell families, and to keep an eye on proceedings in between. From young to old, Archie brings a light, soft tenderness to people of all ages and their comments are always reflective of the joy his presence brings.

03.01.2022 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

03.01.2022 For many families Father's Day is held in memory of their dad, instead of with him. It is no less special a day, but it is different for those who are mourning or grieving the loss of their father, husband or son. Kate Mary's husband John died in 1886 aged 42. Their 6 children were aged from 6 to 14 years and whilst we don't know what Kate said or did to comfort them, we've heard that there is an Irish saying she may have used: 'Love leaves a memory no one can steal".

03.01.2022 The third Good Life Good Death Expo was held on the weekend in Brisbane. The Expo aims to educate the community about living well, ageing well and dying well. The event was opened with a Welcome to Country by Songwoman Maroochy Barambah. Event organiser and Palliative Care Queensland Chief Executive Officer Shyla Mills (pictured) was delighted with the exhibitors and public attendance on the day.

02.01.2022 The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month... The moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front at the end of World War 1, has become a day to remember all those who served and all those who sacrificed their lives in wars and conflicts since. It is marked by a minute's silence at solemn ceremonies in towns and cities across Australia. Our Victoria Point Manager, Craig, laid a wreath on the Cenotaph at the Cleveland RSL. ... "Lest We Forget"

01.01.2022 For many families Mother’s Day is a time when the death of a Mum, Grandmother, Sister, Daughter or Aunt is felt even more strongly. Mother’s Day, at some stage for us all, becomes a time to remember, appreciate and commemorate the women that nurtured, supported and inspired us who have now passed on, leaving beautiful footsteps for generations to come to follow in. Our own Kate Mary Smith became a mother for the first time in 1868 in the isolated pioneer settlement of Somerse...t at the very tip of Cape York Peninsula (near where the RMS Quetta passenger ship sank in 1890). Her son, John Jnr, was the first non-indigenous child born into what was described as a wild and dangerous frontier port. In 1876 Somerset became redundant when a safer shipping route to the Torres Strait was established. By this time Kate and her family had already been living in Brisbane for two years. Her husband John, weakened by injuries and illness from his service with the Somerset Water Police, had taken up cabinet making in Elizabeth Street. Their family continued to grow under Kate’s steady care into a brood of six with the sadness of a seventh child stillborn a loss shared by many mother’s, but never forgotten.