Laura Emily Smith (1906-1972)

The Tohm Genealogy

The Foster Genealogy

Laura Emily Smith (1906 - 1972)

        Father: Thomas William Smith (1867 - 1946)
        Mother: (Minnie) Wilhemena Ellen Tohm (1880 - 1957)
Married: 3 March 1927 at Duncan, United Church.

Spouse: Gustav (Gus) Bergman (1890 - 1965)

Children and grandchildren:

Edward James Eric Bergman (1927 - 1998); 11 grandchildren


 Laura was 12 when the Smiths arrived in Duncan. Older sister, Josie, soon married so Laura became the primary child-minder and domestic helper. She was thin, almost frail, when she was young, but grew strong and quite portly in her later years. During her teens and early twenties, she clerked for 'Uncle Henry' at his general store in Duncan and again when he moved the business to Cowichan Bay.

Left to right: Minnie Tohm, Jean Smith, Frances Creighton, Steven Creighton,

Laura Bergman, Nels Smith, Gladys Smith, Bart Creighton, Josie Creighton.

Late in the summer of 1926, Laura married Gus Bergman. They lived in a small cottage on the Smith farm the first few years of their marriage. Their only child, Edward, was born there in 1927. Later about the time Edward began school, they moved to Kapoor, a logging village about 30 miles outside Duncan where Gus was a well-paid, (lokie) train engeneer. In the 50's, Laura and Gus moved to property on Gibbins Road. Minnie (Ma) Smith lived in a small duplex across the driveway. For many years, the one huge room at Laura's, was the family meeting place for the noon time Christmas dinner and celebration.

Laura was the 'keeper of family memories' and second mother to everyone. "I'll always remember what Laura did when I got married." sister Carrie tells. "Laura brought all the breakfast fixings 30 miles to serve us a treat the morning after our wedding. She was like that when we had our babies too. She'd always be there to help."


The poem on the right exemplifies Laura's deep feelings for other family members. Her brother Les was leaving with the air force during WWII.

Sewing and related crafts were second nature to Laura. She was always busy making clothing for one relative or another. During her retiring years her fingers were constantly busy sewing for her eleven grandchildren.

Gus was a long-standing member of the Mason Lodge and Laura served many hours as a volunteer for the female counterpart, Eastern Star.

The Tohm Genealogy

The Foster Genealogy