Obituary of Edna Irene Smith

Edna Smith passed away peacefully on April 28, 2016 in the arms of her daughter in McLean, VA. She was 101 years old. She was a longtime resident of Saskatoon. She lived each day of her life to the fullest and her life was a real blessing right up until her final journey to Heaven. Edna Smith was born July 5, 1914 in Milestone, SK to Elizabeth and Arthur Libby. She was raised in Regina, SK and graduated from City Park Collegiate and Saskatoon Technical Collegiate Institute in 1932. In her early career, she managed the Trianon in Regina and was a professional tennis player who received a leather photograph album from Queen Elizabeth. She won tournaments in the US and Canada. She married William Edward Smith in 1942 and they had two daughters, Dorothy and Darlene. In the early years of their marriage, the family lived in Swift Current and Rosetown. They moved to Saskatoon in 1955 where she lived the rest of her life. After the death of her husband, she worked in Nursing Administration at University Hospital in Saskatoon. She was a dedicated mother who was always available to talk or help her family and friends. She welcomed people into her home including many people in pharmacy and nurses from the Philippines who arrived at University Hospital and adopted her as their “mother”. She was very active in St. Martin’s United Church and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and believed in the Bible’s teachings and God’s timing. She was active in many local community and service organizations all her life including the CNIB where she read textbooks for blind university students studying at the University of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Club. At home, she was an avid gardener and took pride in her roses, an expert in sewing, cooking, English smocking and needlepoint. She loved people and enjoyed travelling and made friends all over the world. She always saw the “glass as half full” and fully believed in the Lord’s ability to perform miracles. She was a member of the Libby family tree that came from England in 1640 and settled in Scarborough Maine. She was always proud of these ties to “Libby Pork and Beans” and “Libby Pumpkin Pie”. She may have been the oldest living Libby in the US. Her second cousin, Willard Libby won two Nobel prizes in Chemistry. Her parents lived in Galesburg, Illinois before settling in Milestone, SK and lived next door to Ronald Reagan’s parents. She was the only child born in Canada but always spoke about the fun times her family had with the Reagans. Edna Smith is survived by her daughters: Dr. Dorothy Smith of McLean, VA and Mrs. Darlene Elliott of Victoria, BC and three grandchildren: Trevor, Shannon, and Jennifer and Madison, her great-granddaughter and 4 nephews: Ralph Libby, David Libby, Bill Libby and Boyce Libby. She was predeceased by her husband, William Edward Smith, in 1969, and her parents Arthur and Elizabeth Libby, her sister Louise Libby and her brothers Bill Libby, Harry Libby and George Libby. The family wants to express its sincere gratitude to all the friends in Canada and the United States who helped and increased her quality of life these past few years. The phone calls, visits, and helping with her care and support were greatly appreciated. Special thanks to dear family friends: Rae and Tony Schidlo of Vancouver, Howard Fullford, Rev Jim and Lillian McKay, Dr. Jim and Shirley Blackburn of Saskatoon, Georgina Hodgson of Edmonton, Mrs. Ann James of Mclean, VA, Jackie Roberts of Washington DC and her physicians: Dr. David Leonard and Dr. Timothy Lapham. Because of the significant role her pet and Medical Assist Dog “Nipper” played in her life and medical treatment, the family wants to help other families get their pets certified as Emotional Therapy or Medical Assist Dogs. Friends may wish to make a memorial contribution to Acadia Veterinary Clinic, #4-3421 8th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7H 0W5 www.acadiavetclinic.com Phone: 306-477-1222. email: acadiavetclinic@sasktel.net.