MARIA VERA SMETANA (Polesenska), beloved wife of Stan Smetana of Lethbridge, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2014 at the age of 76 years.

She is also lovingly remembered by her daughter Monika Smetana and grandson Tristan Smetana, her sister Hilda Svecova and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maria was predeceased by her parents Johana and Jan, her brother Jan and sisters Olga and Elena.

Maria Vera Polesenska was born on January 22, 1938 in Vrbove, Slovakia to parents Jan Polesensky and Johana Hanicova. She grew up in Brno with her sisters Olga, Hilda, and Elena. She worked as a seamstress making uniforms for the army and after meeting Stan, continued to do so until they immigrated to Canada on August 6, 1969. Full of life, love, passion and being strong-willed, she would fight to all ends to protect her family and those she loved. She had fire in her eyes and in her soul, a drive for adventure and exploration whether she was traveling the world with family and friends, running a restaurant, or raising a family. She lived her life to the fullest and put all her energy into whatever she did. Maria will be missed and loved forever in our hearts.

A Funeral Service was held prior to the placement of this obituary.

In memory of Maria Smetana, donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation - Emergency Department, 960-19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 1W5.