Skip to content

SMILEY, Edith Mae

Posted

SMILEY Edie web

Edith Mae Smiley

March 31, 1916 – April 20, 2021

GONE HOME

Having lived well and loved much, Edith passed away peacefully in the Athabasca Hospital at the age of 105 years and 20 days. She was born and raised, in the pioneering spirit, on the family homestead near Loyalist AB, the fifth child of Walter and Ocalla Bishell.

Edith was predeceased by her husband Jim in 1974, daughter Laura Mae in 1992, grandson Joey Huff in 2018, her parents, brothers Verne and Alvin, sisters Velma and Frances, and several close in-laws and relatives. She is survived by daughter Ann Huff of Colinton AB and family - grandson Jim of Colinton, granddaughter Leah and great granddaughter Halle of Lloydminster AB, grandson David (Wendy), great grandchildren Josh and Lily of Colinton AB; also by family of Laura Mae - granddaughter Carol (Dan) of California, great grandson Curtis (Kaitlyn), great great grandchildren Taytum, Jaycee and Jasper of Grandprairie AB, great grandsons Corey and Brad (Megan) both of B.C., granddaughter Heather (Ed), great grandson James and great granddaughter Laura (Cody) of Manitoba, granddaughter Carmen (Paul) and great granddaughter Sara of BC; also by her sisters Joyce Knudson of Consort AB and Ruth Oswald of Calgary AB, and many nieces and nephews.

In her early years she had a brief teaching career near Monitor, AB followed by marriage to Jim Smiley in l941 and a move in the mid-forties to Colinton AB. which they called home and where they raised their two daughters. Edith had a passion for gardening and everyone will recall her beautiful sunflowers. Her Halloween popcorn balls would become a tradition for all Colinton trick or treaters to enjoy. Church and social events would not have been complete without her cookies and pies. She was a PILLAR of the community and very involved with the United Church and later the Anglican Church in Colinton. Edith worked as a substitute teacher, babysitter, homecare worker, and she volunteered at the Extendicare in Athabasca for over 40 years. Keeping active, and NEVER COMPLAINING, helped ease life’s journey. She set a fine example of facing obstacles and detours with patience and grace.

Edith moved into the Pleasant Valley Lodge in Athabasca where she continued to be active in all activities and events such as taking up painting at age 100, winning a Gold Medal in the Senior Olympics and walking in the Aspen Primary Care Network’s Muskeg Creek Run and Walk for five years. She moved to Extendicare in the spring of 2020. An unfortunate fall in March 2021 required hip surgery after which she was unable to regain her strength. She had “fought the good fight” and God only knows that it was time to move on to the Great Beyond. This world was left a better place for us to carry on. We will cherish the memories of a courageous, strong, witty and loving woman. Farewell Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Great Great Grandma, Sister, Aunt and friend. We all love you.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pleasant Valley Lodge for their many years of care and also those at Extendicare and the Athabasca Hospital for their kind and special care during these very challenging times.

Edith will be laid to rest at the Veteran Cemetery, Veteran AB, next to her husband Jim. Her life will be honoured and celebrated at a later date when family and friends can safely gather.

 Heaven has a NEW ANGEL and her name is EDITH SMILEY

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks