Obituary of Rose-Marie Smith

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Rose-Marie Smith (Hilbig), 72, cherished wife of 50 years, loving Mom of 5 and Grammy of 12 has left us too soon. She was a devoted daughter, loyal sister, and treasured friend. Mom was an exceptional Nurse, gifted pianist, dedicated grandchild sitter, avid quilt maker, butter tart and waffle maker extraordinaire, as well as countless other things, too many to list. Our beautiful Mother passed away in Saskatoon on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Royal University Hospital.

Rose-Marie was born to Agnes and William Hilbig on January 15, 1949, in Wadena SK. She was the oldest daughter of 8, and grew up on the family farm near Kuroki, SK. Rose-Marie joined her brothers in farm chores, and could also be found taking care of her younger siblings and doing household chores alongside her mother; whom she loved more than words. She was an excellent student and took her schoolwork very seriously. Rose-Marie took piano lessons and then taught her younger sisters to play as well. Her siblings all admired and loved her, as a big sister, a role model, a confidant, a friend. Her successes as a Nurse and Mom set a high standard for her siblings. Her true love of others was evident in her care and attention towards her own Mom in her final years.

Rose-Marie was a natural caregiver, and it is no surprise that her career she chose was that of Nursing.  She graduated from the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (now known as Sask Polytechnic) Nursing school in 1969. It was during her schooling where she met David Smith, whom she married in 1970. They settled in his hometown of Wilkie SK, and she began her Nursing career there. She was dedicated to her patients and her workplace and worked night shift right up until her retirement from Parkridge Centre in 2010. She was known for her kindness and loving nature to both co-workers and patients and was a highly respected natural leader on her team. She was always smiling and loved her job. She would often enjoy a good laugh with her coworkers or sit and knit something for her grandkids during her quiet time on nights.

Mom was a master of her kitchen. It was not unusual for her to cook the largest turkey she could find and invite 30 people over for supper, including family, friends, her kid’s in-laws, and anyone else who happened to stop by. There was always room at her table for one more. She always made everyone’s favorite dishes, as well as multiple varieties of desserts for guests who didn’t like pie. The meal was never complete unless every guest went home with a container full of leftovers. All of this was often done after working a night shift as a Registered Nurse.

In the summer Mom could be found watering her lovely flowers, tending to her garden, and making sure there were enough peanuts for the squirrels and food for the birds. She was often spotted at Winners browsing the aisles for little treasures she knew each grandchild would like. In her later years, she enjoyed watching and discussing politics with her grandsons. She also enjoyed Facebook, where she posted interesting recipes, beautiful songs or prayers, and found great joy in seeing pictures of her family and of all her friend’s families.

Mom was a loyal friend to many, and her warmth could be felt when in her presence. She always had time for one more cup of coffee, or one more story, and had a special gift of making people feel loved and welcome in her home. She never forgot a birthday or a special date, and she often celebrated by showing up with large amounts of homemade food. Mom loved nothing more than seeing her children and grandchildren thrive, and she celebrated each one of their successes. She would always be in the stands, cheering her kids and Grandkids on at their many activities. Mom and Dad welcomed all their children’s spouses into the Smith family with open arms and were the first ones to visit when a new grandchild arrived. She referred to her grandkids as flowers, saying “there’s always room in my garden for one more flower”. She loved creating special handmade quilts, baby blankets or tooth fairy pillows for each of her Grandkids.

Left to mourn her passing is our father David, her husband of 50 years, her 5 children; Colleen (Dan) Jenna (Logan), Zachary and Noah; Kevin (Tracy) Estella and Isaac; Karen (Ryan) Baeley (Angelina), Irelyn and Graysen; Chrissy (Cam Krowchenko) Greta and Luka; Jimmy (Tamara) Kashton and Allora; Siblings: Joe, Ted (Julie), John (Wendy), Theresa, Patti (Manny Pasloski), Helen (Roman Sabadash), Rita (Ray Kerr) and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, and her beloved dog Trixie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 10:00 am at Holy Family Roman Catholic Cathedral in Saskatoon. Following Covid-19 restrictions and protocol  the onsite service  will be limited to only those invited  but will be live streamed and all are encourage to join and participate by accessing the link on Rose-Marie’s Tribute/Obituary page at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be left for the family.

We were not ready to say goodbye, and we will always wish for one more. One more conversation, one more hug, one more meal, and one more day.

The family would like to thank the team of doctors and nurses at RUH who took care of our Mom so well in her last days, especially Dr. Benjamin Leis and the nurses in the ICU. We cannot say thank you enough.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.