HELEN SMYTH

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HELEN SMYTH (nee Gessell) Peacefully, with family at her bedside, on Sunday, December 7, 2008, at the St. Boniface Hospital, Helen Marion Smyth, aged 81 years. Mom was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband, Donald David, in 1980. She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Linda (John) Archer of Maple Ridge, B.C., son, Donald (Debra) Smyth and grandchildren, Jonathan Archer, Tara Smyth, Matthew Archer and Kailyn Smyth. Mom also leaves to mourn her passing her brother, John Gessell, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Mavis Smyth, and sister-in-law, Jean Johnson, as well as many dear and faithful friends (you know who you are.) We would also like to mention her many nieces and nephews, all who held a special place in Mom's heart. Her parents, Emma and Rudolf Gessell, as well as five brothers and two sisters predeceased Mom. Mom was born March 22, 1927, in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. Soon after moving to Winnipeg as a young lady, she met and married her one true love, Don. She had been employed at Jewel Stores, Scott Bathurst and for many years by the Winnipeg Free Press, having retired from there in 1992. What can we say about Mom? She was so easy to please and never placed demands upon her family. She enjoyed the simple things, such as sitting in her backyard enjoying nature, a drive in the country, or a good visit. The teapot went on as soon as we walked in the door and she always had a Jumble puzzle on the go. Mom also had a grateful heart she never expected anything of anyone. She was fully devoted to her family. We knew she loved us unconditionally. She knew how much she was loved too because we told her this often. Oh, and her laugh, she had a wonderful laugh! We would like to thank the staff on 6A of St. Boniface Hospital. We cannot tell you how often we remarked on the compassionate care of the staff. We are also grateful to Dr. Nadine Fontigny for her diligent care as Mom's physician. At Mom's request, cremation has taken place and a private graveside family internment will take place at a later date. Mom believed Christ was her Savior and so we are confident we will one day be together. Mom didn't like saying goodbye, rather, til we meet again. Auf Wiedersehen, Mom, we love you more than words can describe. Flowers gratefully declined. If you wish to make a donation in Mom's memory, please do so to The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada, 60060 St. Clair Avenue, E., Toronto, ON M4T 1N5, or to the charity of your choice. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C 0X4 783-7211 Send expressions of sympathy at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2008