August 2, 1925
– May 2, 2013
It is with great sadness that the family of Irene Smith announces her passing. Irene peacefully slipped away May 2, 2013 in Kelowna at the age of 87. Irene is predeceased by her husband Don Smith and step-sons Allan Smith and John Bishop. Irene will be greatly missed and forever remembered by her son Don Smith(Laurel), step-daughter Hazel Clouston(John), step-son Mike Smith(Joan), Irene’s grandchildren: Dionne(Mark), Josey(Rob), Quinn(Justin) , Dillion, Lorne, Sherri(Greg), Daughter-in-law Janice Smith and many great grandchildren (Logan, Lucas, Aryanna, Neveah, Kenya, Lexi, Evan, Cheyenne, Tanis and Dakota), nieces, nephews, special friends Diane Boyd, Carol Fabbro, and all the Genelle Seniors. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Kootenay Boundry Regional Hospital that cared for Irene on Saturday April 27 and the doctors and nurses at Kelowna General Hospital that cared for Irene until her passing. A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at the Genelle Hall on what would have been Irene’s 88th Birthday, August 2, 2013 from 1-4pm.
Irene was born on August 2, 1925 in Saskatoon, Sk. She married Don Smith in 1952, and was a step mother to Don’s two son’s Allan and Mike. They moved to Edmonton, and in 1954 added Donald Smith Jr. to their family. The family continued west to Penticton, Grandforks, Acme, Kamloops and finally settled in Genelle. Irene cherished her family especially all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Grandma kept track of everyone and we will all miss her phone calls so much. Irene lived independently up until her passing and enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, family dinners, going to seniors, and spent many days playing scrabble with Diane. In the past years Irene also enjoyed spending time with her nephews and their families at their cabin in the Shuswap, going on road trips with family, and spent many hours on figuring out the family history and geneology.
The Broken Chain:
God saw you getting tired, he did what he thought was best,
He put his arms around you, and said, “come and rest”.
He opened up his golden gates, on that heartbreaking day,
And with his arms around you, you gently slipped away,
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you, you are always by our sides.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.