It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doris Irene Smith on February 11, 2021 at the age of 92 years. She lived on the family ranch near Champion, AB until Earl passed away and then later moved into her own home in town where she continued to thrive until her passing at the Vulcan Community Health Centre.
Irene was born in Winnipeg, MB on December 14, 1928, the oldest of three girls, to Richard and Doris Davies. The family moved in the spring of 1929 to Champion where she remained the rest of her life. She attended school in Champion and Carmangay and was then employed by A.G.T. in Champion until she married the love of her life Earl Smith, in Lethbridge on March 31, 1948. From this point on Irene’s life was defined by family, devoting herself to the love and happiness of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She loved life on the ranch and was also an active member of the Felicity Club. Her years were marked by kilometers travelled supporting loved ones in their sports and activities, helping on the ranch, especially during the annual Cattle Drive, and highlighted by her yearly camping trip with all of her grandkids to Little Bow.
Irene is lovingly remembered by her children – daughter-in-law Donna (Larry), Ladell (Deb), Darell (Linda), Lyle (Eleanor), Brent (Judy), Sharleen (Doug) and Kevin (Teresa). She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Irene was predeceased by her beloved husband Earl, sons Warren and Terry and sisters Ida Greene and Enid Pieschel.
A private family graveside service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Irene’s memory can be made to the Vulcan Health Care Ladies Auxiliary, Box 299, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Remembering your wonderful Mom, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Growing up amongst the Smith family was a treat. Wishing you all the comfort and memories of having this wonderful lady in your lives.
Annalee (Middleton) Hearn, Vegreville, AB
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was always a wonderful lady, fun, and she had beautiful attitude. She was very special.
Alice Murray , Ron and Sharon Murray, Dayleen Murray and family
Irene will always be remembered for all the good times we had. Will always remember the multiple times you would stop by the farm house at the end of the day. Love and thoughts to the family.
Helen (Bjornson) and Dennis Neudorf
My sincere condolences Sharleen & Doug & all of the Smith family on the passing of your Mother & Grandmother. Irene was a remarkable woman. She sure was a terrific Gramma taking all her grandchildren camping & her many road trips to all their activities. It’s a sad time for you all but wonderful memories of her will be a comfort. She’ll surely be missed by many. She had a lovely life!!
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the Smith family on your Mom, Grandma and Great Grandmas passing.
I have so many great memories of Irene in my younger years growing up in Champion. I always had great visits with her whenever we would run into one another at various times over the years. She was such a kind and loving person and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Les and Jan Jordan
To the Smith Family;
Our condolences to your family as you mourn the loss of a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Aunt Irene always brought a spark of joy and cheer to any gathering or occasion. I know that the memories of her great qualities and your precious associations with her will generate feelings of peace and gratitude for her selfless service and love.
Ken and Deb Pitcher Lethbridge.
On behalf of the Vulcan Curling Club, our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Smith family…Irene was always a wonderful fan at many curling events and it was always nice to have her there.
I was saddened to hear of Irene’s passing just today. Such a beautiful, lovely, genuine lady Irene was! I enjoyed running into Irene at hockey games, or at restaurant over the years gone by; there was never a time Irene didn’t stop and visit during those encounters and it was very evident her family brought her much joy. I will never forget her kind note when Keith’s Mom passed, and now it is Irene’s turn to “return home” to reunite with those loved ones gone before her. Keith and I send our love to all of you. She’ll always have a special place in my heart. Lee (and Keith) Mueller
Sincere condolences on the loss of Irene. We hope you’re all finding comfort in the many fond memories you have of her. -Jim and Ruth (Hummel) Thomson
To the Smith Family, Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Irene was one of the nicest ladies and I will miss seeing her and visiting with her when we happened to meet. She was always so proud of all of her grandchildren and children and enjoyed talking to you about them. She will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences to all of you at this time.
Sharleen and family,
Our sincerest condolences to you on the passing of Irene. I hope your memories of her bring you comfort.
Judy and Larry Hamende
We will always remember our Aunt Irene who made the most delicious angel food cakes from scratch and loved to laugh with family and friends. It was always easy to remember her birthday because it was so close to mine …we would wish each other a happy day each year! We hope that happy memories bring comfort and peace as you miss your mom and grandma. She was an “elect” lady. Love to you all Jim & Jolene (Pitcher) Paxman, Raymond
Our deepest sympathy to all of Irene’s family. She was a lovely lady and we enjoyed many chats with her as she did her daily walks past our home during nice weather. The birthday parade to honor your mom’s birthday in December was so wonderful, what a sight to see endless vehicles drive by. Irene will be greatly missed. Our condolences to all of you. Jim & Helen Saunderson, Champion
Lyle, Eleanor, and family: My sympathy goes out to you on the loss of a Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma! Our thoughts are with you, and the rest of your family, at this sad time. Marvin Maronda of Lomond
Thanks so much Marvin.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Irene.
She was a very special lady. Thinking of you all in our thoughts & prayers. Pat & Linda Moore & Family