It is with great sadness that we announce that Eva (Greta) Marguerite Smith aged 97 years of Moose Jaw, and formerly of Drinkwater, SK, passed away at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital on Saturday, July 8th, 2023, with all of her daughters at her side.
She was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Bill Smith; parents, Norman and Lottie Ellison; parents-in-law, Bill and Louise Smith; brother, Jim Ellison; in-laws: Walter Pritchard, June and Don Woodley; sons-in-law: Neil Cunningham, Ian Lowe, and Bill Heron; and great-grandson, Kurtis Milley. Greta is survived by her six daughters and their families: Lynn, Tracy (Jason), Alyssa, Brooklyn, and Hailey, Trent (Angela), Michael (Kris), Kaleb and Tyson, Kelly (Trevor), Cooper and Emery; Lorna (David), Jeff, Ainsley, and Owen, (Melissa, mother of Ainsley and Owen), Robyn (Mac), Frances and Sam; Terry, Leslie (Dan), Nicholas and Burke, Kenda (Roger), Kayce and Marley, Ashley (Jordin), Scarlett and Griffin, and Bill’s children; Rita (Kelly), Jayde (Conrad), Berklee and Bennett, Corey (Larissa) and Maya; Joan (Ed), Tianna (Cory) and Deagan, Ed’s children, and Gail (Mike), Joel (Brittany) and Nicole; sisters, Marjorie Pritchard and Elizabeth (Earl) Campbell; sisters-in-law, Donna Ellison and Norma (Bob) Watson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Greta was born on October 10th, 1925, south of Chaplin, SK and moved to the Moose Jaw area, graduating from Moose Jaw Technical School. After attending Normal School in Moose Jaw, she taught for 3 years before meeting and marrying Bill in 1948. They began farming in the Drinkwater area and farmed there for over 70 years. Greta was active in the Drinkwater community, a member of the United Church, U.C.W., and Order of the Eastern Star. She served on the Briercrest Local School Board and as Returning Officer for the Thunder Creek Constituency for several elections in the 80’s.
Greta was a wonderful cook and will be especially remembered for her homemade bread. Her garden always yielded plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and “glads”, which she was happy to share. Greta was a skilled seamstress and crocheted many baby blankets. She curled, fished, learned to golf in her 60’s, and went white water rafting on the Colorado River. Reading was one of her passions and she kept abreast of current events and political affairs. A life-long learner, her computer and cell phone skills were solid. Use Google for some things but call Greta for family and community history - her memory was amazing. Greta and Bill wintered in Arizona for over 20 years, making lasting relationships there. The family spent a week at Pine Cove Resort near Loon Lake, SK for 50 plus years with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating great memories. Family was the focus of her life, supporting their many activities and hosting countless family gatherings – even cooking the Christmas turkey well into her 90’s. In her last year alone, she penned 65 birthday/anniversary cards and they all arrived on time. Greta was an incredibly strong, caring, patient, fair, and generous woman - an inspiration to us all.
We thank the staff at West Park Crossing and the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital for their heartfelt care and compassion shown to Greta and her family through her final journey.
A Celebration of Greta’s Life will be held on Friday, July 28th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home and a private family interment will take place at Drinkwater Cemetery. Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In lieu of flowers, donations in Greta’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
