July 15, 1945 - February 1, 2019
With heavy hearts, we share the sudden, unexpected passing of Marion Frances Smith at the Kelowna General Hospital on February 1, 2019.
Marion was born in a small house in Coleman, Alberta on July 15, 1945. Her family then moved to Canyon, B.C. to farm where she lived with her mother Emily and grandparents Frances and Joseph Miknovitch.
After high school she moved to Calgary, AB where she met and married Jim smith. They raised 2 children Bradley and Carla. They later moved to Erickson, BC to be near her grandparents.
Later in life, Marion lived with her companion Albert Michalsky. They had many interests such as gardening, fishing, camping, gold panning and metal detecting in and around the East and West Kootenays. She was employed at the Creston Valley Lodge for many years and retired in 2011.
After Marion retired, she moved to Cranbrook, BC to be nearer her sisters Vi and Liz (living n Fernie, BC). Marion continued to pursue her passion and favourite past time; gardening! Oh, she had a green thumb! She had a beautiful yard full of annual and perennial flowers, berry bushes, fruit trees and a huge vegetable garden. She surprised and pleased her family with all her wonderful preserves and beautiful meals. She loved to take her walks every day especially her dog Jr. Marion thrived in Cranbrook and thoroughly enjoyed every day here.
Marion had a genuine and pure heart. Her nature was kind and generous; she would do anything for anyone often putting others' needs before her own. Her sense of humour was infectious; always smiling and laughing. Marion you will be forever admired and missed.
Marion is survived by her son, Bradley Smith of Bucerias, Mexico, daughter Carla Beck of Nelson, BC and grand daughter, Amy Beck of Edmonton, AB. She also leaves behind her two sisters Liz Stokie (Ian) and Vi de Bruycker (Juergen), Albert's Daughter Linda-Lee Maciver and her 2 children. As well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Emily and Michael Konieczny of Fernie and Frances and Joseph Miknovitch of Creston.
Marion had stated years ago that when she passed, no funeral service will be held, instead cremation, then her ashes spread on Kootenay Lake, outside Creston, BC. This family celebration and gathering will be held on her birthday in July 2020.