June 2, 2022
By Obituaries on June 2, 2022.
1935 ~ DORIS SMETHURST ~ 2022
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF OUR MOTHER
Doris Helga Smethurst (Eglinski) was born in the small city of Kamen, Westphailia, Germany in 1935. The fourth child in a family of six children, Doris came into a world that had just experienced the Great Depression and now was finding its way back through an industrial phase of growth and uncertainty. This early experience, that included a world war, hunger, loss of family and many hardships shaped the loving and industrious mother we respected, loved and knew was always there for us. After the war, Doris trained first at a small castle and then at a rural market business in the food prep and culinary business. It was here that she met a handsome Canadian soldier (George Smethurst), fell in love, married and made her way to a new life, a new country and a very interesting life journey.
In 1958, their first child was born in London Ontario, Susan (Reichart) Smethurst and then in 1961, a son was born, David (Heidi) Smethurst. They returned to Germany in 1962 for a three year posting as part of ongoing post war NATO response to ongoing peace in the region. Doris remained close to her German family throughout the years, hosting family in Canada and visits back to Germany. Doris went back to her culinary interests in the early 70's when the family moved to Alberta for the last posting in George’s military career. Hired by the federal government, Doris worked at the Officers Mess where she enjoyed the challenges of a large kitchen with fabulous menus. Avid campers, George and Doris loved going to the mountains. Grandchildren arrived in the late 80's, and continued to the early 2000's, seven in total, Adam (Kyra) Reichart, Ashley Reichart (Jordan), Alex Reichart (Ralf), Erika Smethurst, Evan Smethurst, Ryan Smethurst and Jill Smethurst; as well as numerous family members in Germany. Doris was predeceased by her husband, George Smethurst; parents, Fritz and Charlotte Eglinski; as well as brothers and sisters in Germany. Doris was known as Nana and Grandma, two roles she embraced fully. Family dinners for special occasions were always a fancy feast that the entire family looked forward to. In 1998, an opportunity to move closer to her grandchildren, George and Doris moved to Medicine Hat where they enjoyed life with family and the life of retirement. Unfortunately, in 2002, George passed away which created a new chapter in Doris's life. Since 2002, Doris enjoyed travel, family and her garden. Health issues that included cancer were all faced with the same tenacious energy Doris was known for, then came the diagnosis of Alzheimers in 2017, that changed the path of how Doris engaged in the world. Always engaged with her surroundings, Doris made the most of her new world which was hard for the family to watch such a capable and passionate person succumb to. Mom, we love you, we miss you. Our saving grace is knowing that Dad was waiting for you with open arms. Love your Family. The Memorial Service will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Memorial gifts in Doris’s name may be made to Alzheimer Society, 201, 770 – 6th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4J6. Condolences may be sent to
condolences@saamis.com subject heading Doris Smethurst. Funeral arrangements by
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599
http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.
1960 ~ ALISON GALBRAITH ~ 2022
Alison Joy Galbraith passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 10, 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Alison’s name can be made to St. Margaret’s Church, C/O David Carter, 404, 1616 Saamis Dr NW, Medicine Hat, AB. T1C 4X2 or to The Canadian CJD Association Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta Office of Advancement, 3-501 Enterprise Square 10230 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 4P6. The Graveside Service will be held at St. Margaret's Cemetery, Cypress Hills, Alberta, on Saturday, June 4th, 2022 at 1:00 pm with Dr. David J. Carter officiating. Those wishing to attend are asked to bring a chair for the Graveside Service. Condolences may be sent through
http://www.saamis.com or to
condolences@saamis.com subject heading Alison Galbraith. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599
http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.
IRENE CUNNINGS
1919 ~ 2022
Wilhelmina Irene Cunnings passed away peacefully at the Riverview Care Centre in Medicine Hat, with her family by her side, on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the remarkable age of 102 years. Irene is survived by her daughter, Judy Nay; son, Jim Cunnings; six grandchildren as well as many great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter, Connie Golberg. Irene was a devoted mother and friend who lived her life with compassion and grace. She was much loved and will be greatly missed. The family would to thank the Riverview staff for three and a half years of care that was both professional and loving. A Graveside Service will be held at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to attend the interment are asked to meet at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat between 1:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our webste at
http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455
http://www.cooksouthland.com "Locally owned & directed"
REITA RUTH WILSON
September 5, 1934 – January 30, 2022
Reita Ruth Wilson of Redcliff passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at the age of 87 years.
Survived by her seven children; Sheila Bradford of Medicine Hat, Lindy Doyle, Russell Wilson and Jeff (Jeanine) Wilson of Redcliff, Don (Cathie) Snider, Deanne Wilson and Nancy (Jack) Wilson all of Sherwood Park; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom was predeceased by her parents; one brother; and three sisters.
Mom managed the Redcliff Library for 25 years, retiring at the age of 75, and knew generations of kids. She was a voracious reader, reluctant gardener, a very involved member of her church, Gordon Memorial United Church, and supportive of her community, even Citizen of the Year.
Mom and her three youngest children moved to Redcliff in 1976 and quickly became a valued member of the community. She will be sadly missed by her family and many good friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Gordon Memorial United Church – 401 2 St SE, Redcliff, AB on June 4th, 2022, at 10:30am with lunch to follow. There will be a come and go at Lion’s Park in Redcliff from 1:30pm – 4:30pm.
Condolences may be made at
http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by
Grace Memorial Affordable Burial & Cremation
1924 10th Ave N.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5
http://www.gracememorial.com 403-905-0440
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