Smith: Edith Berniece, December 3, 1925 – April 14, 2019

April 14, 2019, Edith Berniece Smith died peacefully in Oyen long term care surrounded by family.

Edith was born December 3, 1925, in Burnt Lake, British Columbia to Etta and Jim Williams. She was a younger sister to Myrtle and an older sister to Earl. Shortly after her birth the family moved to Chauvin, Alberta and later to Black Diamond where Edith graduated from high school.

While living in Calgary with her sister Myrtle and working at Kresge’s, she met her lifetime partner, Bill Smith. They were married in July 1954 and initially resided in Sibbald until moving to Calgary in 1960. In the fall of 1963, they moved back to Sibbald to farm. During that time they welcomed three children, Bill, Sandra, and Brian.

Her husband, Bill, was killed in a farming accident in 1970. She chose to stay in Sibbald to raise her children on the farm. This was quite a challenge for a mother with three children under the age of 14.

Edith moved to Oyen in 1986 where she resided until her death.

Edith loved gardening and always had a garden until her health deteriorated. She enjoyed crocheting, being the driver of the “gals” to dances, and going on bus trips to the casinos with her buddy Merle Stauble. She also liked to host the coffee gang. She was an avid card player and loved to play games with her grandchildren.

Her family and grandkids were her pride and joy. When she couldn’t travel to see everyone she made many phone calls to reassure herself that everyone was doing fine.

It was a huge loss and heartache for her when her daughter Sandra died suddenly in December of 2016. Losing her sister and companion, Myrtle, last month was devastating to her. She was also predeceased by her brother Earl Williams, and infant granddaughter.

She leaves to mourn, Bill (Kim) Smith, Adam (Brandi) Smith, Winston, Emmie, Jade, Jeri (Chad) Smith, Brian (Geraldine) Smith, Devin (Suzanne) Smith, Erin (Aaron) Jones, Arlo, Lisa (Joel) Shearer, Martin Grudecki, Andrew Grudecki.

Funeral Service was held Monday, April 22, at the Sibbald Community Hall in Sibbald. Officiating Clergy was Rev. Helen Reed. A tribute was given by granddaughters Jeri and Lisa. Special music was You’ll Never Walk Alone by Shaune Switzer and Supermarket Flowers by Jerilyn Norris.

Pallbearers were Martin Grudecki, Andrew Grudecki, Adam Smith, Jeri Smith, Devin Smith, Lisa Shearer, and Erin Jones. Honorary pallbearers were all of Edith’s family and many friends who cared and shared in her life.

Memorial tributes may be directed to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, 100 – 119 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6; Oyen & District Health Care Foundation, Box 150, Oyen, Alberta, T0J 2J0; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Sibbald Community Club in the Community Hall.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.