Mary Smith

Mary Marjory Smith, beloved wife of Robert (Bob) Smith, passed away peacefully in Canmore at the age of 91 years.

Born in Winnipeg, Mary grew up in Edgerton and Olds in Alberta. She studied Home Economics at the Olds Agricultural College, and later qualified for her teaching certificate at the Calgary Normal School. She completed her teacher training at the University of Alberta. She taught at several country schools in southern and central Alberta during the war years. After the war, she taught for several years at Port Radium, which is located on Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories.

Mary first met her husband Bob while working in Banff during the summer holidays. In 1953, she returned south from Port Radium, and she and Bob were married on September 12th in Edmonton. They raised their family in Seebe, Alberta, where Bob was employed by Calgary Power Ltd. (now TransAlta Utilities). Mary substitute-taught at the Seebe and Exshaw schools, and having qualified as a Red Cross Water Safety instructor, taught two generations of children from Seebe and the surrounding area to swim. She and Bob were among the founders of the Seebe (later Bow Valley) Camera Club, and Mary was also an active member of the Seebe Community Club.

In 1978 Bob and Mary moved to Canmore, where Mary became the historian for the Ralph Connor Memorial United Church. She enjoyed photography, and was a Life Member of the Canmore Art Guild.

Mary will be remembered for her warm and welcoming hospitality, which resulted in many lasting friendships. She was also an accomplished cook, knitter and seamstress.

On the morning of August 6th, Mary's brave and gentle soul flew free over the mist wreathed mountains that she so loved.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her husband Bob (Robert N.) Smith, brothers Jack Parkinson (Elsie) of Kelowna and Fred Parkinson (Arlette) of Montreal; daughters Marjory Gibney (Greg) of Canmore and Shirley Jackson (David) of Halfmoon Bay B.C.; grandchildren Eleanor Marr (Cory) of Cochrane, Kevin Gibney (Laura) of Okotoks, and Astrid and Tegan Jackson of Vancouver; and great grandchildren Toni and Rocy Marr and Eileen Gibney. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Freeman and Harriette Parkinson of Edmonton, and her brother George Parkinson (Signe) of Calgary.

The family wish to thank Dr. John Michalyshyn and the staff

of the Canmore Hospital for their outstanding care during

Mary's last few weeks.

A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, August 21 at Ralph Connor United Church, Canmore, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation, in Mary's memory, to a charity of their choice.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.