Olive Smith

April 6, 1921 - September 5, 2013 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Olive Smith, our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at the age of 92 years. Olive was born on April 6, 1921 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to George and Elizabeth Geils. On September 20, 1939, Olive married Norman Smith and they were married for close to 60 years. She worked at the Hudson Bay Store and cared for her infant son David in Winnipeg while Norm was overseas for 3 ½ years serving as a pilot in the Second World War. There were many moves for Olive, as a result of Norm's work, but she made many friends everywhere she went. They lived in the towns of Haileybury; where Ray was born in 1948, as well as Rouyn Noranda and Kirkland Lake before settling in Thunder Bay in 1955. Olive's very special personality shone throughout her life including the 4 years she spent at Pinewood Court. She always took the time to say hello to the other residents and was genuinely concerned about their welfare. She volunteered for many years, driving cancer patients to their appointments and with the Canadian Red Cross, helping with their phone lists. Olive also worked at Grandview Lodge in the gift shop. She derived much satisfaction from all of these wonderful experiences. Olive enjoyed the 36 years that her and Norm spent at their camp at Lake Shebandowan (Kabaigon Bay), a wonderful spot to raise a family. They also had some special holidays in Florida. After Norm passed in 1998, Olive enjoyed her trip with her son Ray to Las Vegas, where she personally met Wayne Newton and one of the original Ink Spots). She also enjoyed a trip to Mesa, Arizona with Ray as well as regular jaunts to Duluth, Black Bear, Grand Portage and Thunder Bay Community Bingo. She enjoyed and participated in many sports including bowling, curling and golf. Olive was a former member of the Fort William Curling Club and the Fort William Country Club. She was also a member of Tops for over 35 years where she met many wonderful friends, whom she adored, including Yvon and Sarah. Olive also loved the regular visits she received from her friends Karen, Betty and Pete, Fran, Sarah and Yvon. Olive loved her family dearly and only wished that they lived closer. She will be sadly missed by her 2 sons Ray of Thunder Bay and Dave (Judy) of Dryden (enroute); 4 grandchildren Janet (Bruce) Lankshear of Australia (enroute), Shannon Smith of San Francisco, Pat (Kristie) Smith of Dryden (enroute) and Michele (Tim) Barakett of New York (enroute) and 5 great-grandchildren Riley, Samuel, Matthew, Sophia and Lauren. Also surviving are sister-in-laws Charlotte Helyer of Kelowna, B.C. and Ruth Smith of Fenwick, Ontario as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Not to be forgotten, is the family dog Sydney whom she adored. She was predeceased by her parents; husband Norm in 1998; brother Jim Geils and his wife Mary. The outpouring of love shown from all of Olive's family is a true testament to what a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother she was. The family would like to thank all of Olive's friends who were so good to her over the years and those who cared for her so well. A Celebration of Olive's Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 1:00pm at the DaVinci Centre. Interment will take place at a later date in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Should friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Olive can be made to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James. Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com "