MARGARET JEAN SMITH (RYAN)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARGARET JEAN SMITH (nee RYAN) October 23 1932 - February 1 2013 After a brief illness with her children Debra and Kevin at her side Margaret Smith passed away on Friday, February 1, 2013, at St. Boniface Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband Kenneth Lawrence Smith in 2005. She is lovingly remembered by her son, Kevin (Donna Friesen), her daughter Debra Jane, brothers Keith (Colleen) and their children Shelia, Nancy, Neil and Christopher; brother Jim and his former wife Lynne Ryan along with their sons Sean, Bren and Teague; brother Herb (Adrianna) and Herb's children James and Tim. Mom was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and attended a one room school house until she was sent to the big city of Winnipeg to attend Gordon Bell High School. Mom excelled at sports and loved to sing in the school musicals. She furthered her education at the University of Manitoba receiving a BA in English and then a BA in Pedagogy. As a physical education teacher, Mom was left with her summers open and therefore traveled extensively for a number of years including trips to Europe, Hawaii and a road trip to California in an old 1950 convertible. She met Dad at a "Lonely Hearts Club" and they dated for five years before marrying on September 25, 1961. After a few years of marriage they first adopted Kevin and then Debra and the family was complete. Margaret spent many years as a substitute teaching at Howden and Frontenac Schools until she found and excelled in her second career, firstly as a salesperson then as a manager of Naturalizer Shoes in Kildonan Place. Our family spent many years at Falcon Lake with the Miller Family (Sandy Ernie, Andrea and Jodene) who became like family to us. She also enjoyed her monthly bridge club with the neighborhood ladies. Later in life Mom and Dad became "snowbirds" and spent 10 winters in Padre Island. They made many long term friends there and Margaret emailed them right until a few days before her death. The family is internally grateful to long time neighbor Tom and Judy as well as John and Susan for all the support they provided to Mom. She was able to live in the house Ken and she purchased in 1961 until hospitalization during the last three days of her life. The family would also like to acknowledge the Bingo Girls in particularly Vi and Bill who drove Mom several times a week to what was my Mom's favorite activity in her decline years. Finally, we would to acknowledge the care of long-time Family Dr. John Peterson as well as his wife who treated our mom with the upmost respect. Anyone who met Margaret realized she was a very pragmatic woman and wanted "no fuss" so in accordance with her wishes no funeral service with be held. A private interment will take place in the family plot at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made in memory of Margaret to Riverview Health Centre. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 04, 2013