In fondest, loving memory of
MARIAN SMITH (1948 - 2012)
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing away of Mrs. Marian Smith, of Coleman, AB, beloved wife of Dr. Anthony Christopher Smith; mother of Michael Andrew Smith; mother-in-love of Naomi Ruth Smith; grandmother of Ewan, Alia and Myla Smith of Winnipeg, Manitoba; sister of Doreen (Phill) Godwin of Preston, England; and “sister-in-love” of Priscilla Judy Smith of Bristol, England. On Friday, December 28, 2012, surrounded by love, Marian passed on during her care at the Crowsnest Pass Long Term-Care Centre, to live permanently in heaven. She had braved cancer since August of 2012.
Marian was born in Penwortham, Preston, England, on May 31, 1948, to delighted parents, Harold and Sally Roskell. She grew up with them, her sister and the extended Roskell family in the “Red Rose” county of Lancashire, living there until she moved to Bromsgrove, Birmingham, U.K., for training as an elementary school teacher.
After several years teaching in Longwortham, Lancashire, she decided to study in a Bible College in Glasgow, Scotland. While in that city, she met Christopher and they were married one year later. Their home was first in the former coal-mining “black country” of Lanarkshire, Scotland before they moved to Canton Zürich, Switzerland for four delightful years in the Alps. It was there that their son, Michael, was born in 1978. Marian and family moved for studies in Louisville, Kentucky, which regrettably happened to be a place that gets very little wind! In 1983, the wee family returned to Scotland where they spent eight years working in churches, hospitals and universities.
To this and many more international changes, Marian adapted and made the most of different work opportunities: in hospitals, retirement homes (as a Quality of Life Aide to Alzheimer patients), churches and colleges in Philadelphia, Winnipeg, Lethbridge, and finally in the Crowsnest Pass. The Pass was she and Christopher’s “dream place” in which to transition to being semi-retired. Here, she was blessed with work at the Rose Peddler, Cozy Corner Quilts, and finally Sobey’s Deli, where she made many friends.
A kinder-hearted person than Marian would be very difficult to find. She was devoted to family and to Christian ministry in many different forms. She reveled in the natural beauties of the birds, the wildlife and the scenery of southwestern Alberta. Her canine companion, Heidi, was one of her special loves and daily projects; from their frequent walks, she developed a strong heart that enabled her to live way past Christmas Day -- to the 28th of December.
Marian will be dearly missed, but her loved ones derive great consolation from the knowledge that she passed away very peacefully (thanks to the Long-Term Care staff) and is now with the Lord, where she most wished to be.
In honour of her gracious life and serene faith, a Service of music and praise will be held in Fantin’s Funeral Chapel, Blairmore, AB, on Saturday, January 12, 2013. Special music will begin before 3 p.m., and the formal service will start at 3.30 p.m. with Mr. Ron Schulz kindly officiating. Special reflective musical tributes will informally follow the beautiful event. A graveside service for Marian will follow in the summer or fall here in the Pass.
In lieu of flowers, Marian’s family would be delighted if donations are made in her memory to the trust fund for Brenda Macdonald of the Crowsnest Pass to enable Brenda and her family with accommodation expenses while they are in Edmonton for many months of major surgery and pulmonary rehabilitation. Please direct your contributions to [email protected], the CIBC in Blairmore, AB or to Box 164, Coleman, AB T0K 0M0.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.