Obituary of Marion Elaine Smith

MARION ELAINE SMITH (nee Assaly)

It is with great sadness the family announces Marion’s passing on November 6, 2018.  She died peacefully at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon after fighting diabetes, related effects and other health complications.  She is survived by her children, Cheryl; Tony of Calgary and sons, Daniel of Vancouver and Thomas of Calgary; Teresa and son, Ryan; and Gary (Anna) and daughters, Isabella and Kira of Edmonton and sister-in-law Gretta of Milwaukee and several nieces and nephews. 

Marion was predeceased by her parents Tony and Adele, husband of 48 years Ed, siblings Fred (Ilene), Edmund, Doreen and Bob, her sisters in law Evelyn, Sylvia and Agnes. 

Marion was born in Rosetown on March 27, 1931.  Marion’s family relocated to Saskatoon when she was a small child.  She obtained a pharmacy degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 1953.  Marion and Ed met during university.  They married in 1955 and had 48 loving years together until his passing in 2003.  They were each other’s best friend. 

Marion would have turned 88 next March.  Despite her health decline she continued to live in the family home in Saskatoon until her admission to hospital.  That meant the world to her.  Even with the challenges she faced during her time in the hospital she was always polite and respectful to the staff.  She was good natured until the end. 

Marion was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mom, mother-in-law, grandma, aunt and friend.  She was very generous, kind and strong.  She was highly excitable with a tremendous sense of humor.  She was a world-class chef in preparing traditional Lebanese foods, a great hostess and partier, even though she hardly drank at all.  She also was, for awhile in the 1970s, a regular, albeit discreet, cigar smoker (the secret is finally out).  She was so entertaining and everyone loved being around her.  She exuded warmth.  She will be missed immensely by all her family. 

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff on the 7^th Floor of St. Paul’s Hospital for making her time in the hospital as comfortable as possible. 

A memorial reception will be held at the Edwards Family Center, 333 4^th Avenue North, at 1:00 pm on November 16, 2018.  Private interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.  Donations to Diabetes Canada, 1400-522 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2R5.