Yvonne Smyth

SMYTH, Yvonne Lorraine (nee Sherman) May 19, 1927 - June 22, 2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandma, GG and Aunt. Yvonne passed away peacefully after a brave battle with cancer that she faced with her usual humour and fortitude. Yvonne was born and raised in Springfield, Saskatchewan and went to school all around the province where her father was a school teacher and high school principal. When Yvonne was twenty years old, she and her husband, Leo, embarked on the adventure of a lifetime leaving the frozen prairies for tropical Zambia, Africa (Northern Rhodesia). The family lived there for sixteen years raising their eight children - six girls and two boys. Returning in 1964 to Regina, she taught at Miller Composite High School, until her retirement, where she was a much-loved teacher and colleague. After Leo's death she moved to Calgary to be near her family. Her favourite time of year was summer, and her patio was in full bloom all season. Yvonne was an accomplished artist and made many dear friends at The Midlake Art Studio. She was not only talented in the fine arts but she loved a good joke, could dance up a storm, hold her own in discussions on politics, sew a fine seam, (making all our school uniforms) and in later years relished the fun of shopping for all the wee great-grandkids from the Sears catalogue. Her favourite and most important thing of all was Family. Yvonne will be much missed by her children Louisa (Luke) Comber, Peggy (Rick) Bell, Yvonne Rauw, Kathryn Turnbull, Les (Karen) Smyth, sister Isobel (David) Hart, brother Les (Celia) Sherman, grandchildren Patrick (Sarah) Angie, Louisa (Ryan) Jerry, Trevor, Karissa (Mark), Brendan (Melinda), Natalie (Rick), Sean, Colter, Taylor, Chelsea, Jeff, Trish, Kevin and eleven great-grandchildren. Yvonne is predeceased by her husband Leo Smyth, her children Leonore Joan Smyth, Frances Jocelyn Wiens and Leo Charles Smyth. Yvonne's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the Southwood Hospice, for their care and compassion. You made a difference in her life during very difficult times, for which we will always be grateful. Friends and family are invited to a reception for a Celebration of Yvonne's Life on Sunday, July 3, 2011 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Ranche Restaurant located in Fish Creek Park ( www.crmr.com/therancherestaurant ). May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face And the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Yvonne's family through www.evanjstrong.com . Memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation ( albertacancer.ca/pageca ). Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. Telephone: 403-265-1199.