In Loving Memory Of
Jean Effie Smith
It is with love and fond memories that we announce the passing of Jean Smith on Sunday, April 22, 2018. She left us one week before her 90th birthday, and her 70th wedding anniversary. She was surrounded by loved ones and she left this life as she lived it: peacefully and grateful for all that she had been given.
Jean Effie Smith was born on the family farm on April 29, 1928, the first child and only daughter of John and Eva (nee Sweet) Torbett. She grew up in the Drayton Valley area of central Alberta, and met her future husband, Frank Smith, shortly after he returned from service in WWII.
Frank and Jean married in 1948 and raised their family in Grande Prairie where they put down deep roots through children, friends, church membership, neighbors, and Frank’s work at Imperial Lumber and Canfor.
Jean loved many things: camping, road trips, baking, picking berries, sewing (she made quilts for every baby born in her church for several years), but above all else, she loved people. Her home was always open, and fresh baking was always waiting for company.
Jean is survived by her husband Frank; brother in-law Bert (Doreen) Smith; sisters in-law: Faye Freisz and Jenny Smith; step-brother Jim (Evelyn) Aldous; step-sister Judy Batke; five children: Eileen (Robert) Stierle, Frances (Peter) Biegle, Lyle (Shurl) Smith, Leona (Jerry) Wright, and Ron (Fran) Smith; proud grandma to seven grandchildren: Christian (Jane) Schotz, Tamara (Mike) Gillett, Aimee (Ryan) Orser, Dirk (Brie) Schotz, Jorden (Tom) Habib, Erieanna (Zach) Orich, and Garett (Brandi) Smith. These dutiful grandchildren have given Jean and Frank fifteen great-grandchildren and the sight of any one of them brought a smile to Jean.
She was predeceased by her parents; two younger brothers David Torbett and John Torbett, parents in-law William and Grace Smith; brothers in-law Jim Smith, Walter Smith, Les Smith, and Harry Freisz.
The family would like to thank the staff and Grande Prairie Care Centre for the care that they gave Jean and the kindness extended to us in our loss.
A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018, at 2:00pm, at Church of Christ Highland Park in Grande Prairie (9602 92 Ave.) with Pastor Alan Jones officiating. Coffee and lunch will be served immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
Memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke of Alberta (Unit 109, 10126 120 Ave. Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 8H9)
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jean Effie Smith April 29 1928 April 22 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta