MORWEN (Morrie) SMITH (nee JENKINS), passed away peacefully at the age of 84 in the early morning of May 30th at Coaldale Health Centre where she resided.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 44 years, S. K. (Ken) Smith (June 18, 1995). Our Mom and Nana will be missed and lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Jennifer Smith (Vaughn Foster) of Edmonton and Sian Townsend; grandchildren Shandra Townsend (Matt Gregory) and Cole Townsend (Sara Champagne) of Lethbridge, and the newest editions to her legacy - great grandchildren London Mae Gregory and Greyson Smith Townsend. Morrie’s sisters Gwyneth Hughes and Megan Rees (pre-deceased) and nieces and nephews in Great Britain always held a special place in her heart.
Mom was born September 21, 1928 in Tylorstown, Rhondda Valley, South Wales and married the love of her life, Ken in 1951. In 1958 their adventurous spirit carried the two teachers and their girls from Great Britain to the village of Manyberries in the “County of 40 Mile”. They embraced their adopted land through the warm generous spirit of the people within the communities who became lifelong friends. They moved from Manyberries School to teach in Medicine Hat, Bow Island and Lethbridge. Teaching was mom’s passion. She was well respected by her colleagues and was instrumental in motivating countless young lives throughout her career.
Mom and Dad loved nature, picnics, good humour and spending time with family and friends but mostly they enjoyed being with each other. Music and singing were important to Mom in all its forms whether it was singing in United Church and community choirs, directing school choirs in festivals throughout her life or whistling. Her claim to fame was singing duets with Richard Burton’s wife in Wales.
Mom was Morwena Regina in our Father’s eyes, a wonderful role model, friend, confidante and mentor to us. Forever in our hearts Mom……enjoy your celebration with Dad….. We love you. Our family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Coaldale Health Centre, Mom’s special caregiver Rita Gensorek and Dr. Luykenaar for the outstanding care of our mother over the past four years. Laughter and hugs were in abundance. We could never have asked for more!
A Memorial Service will be held at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH - 1101 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Ruth Schilk officiating.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations could be made directly to any youth support organization.
Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca
