Annie Alvina Smetana

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ANNIE ALVINA SMETANA (nee Austinson)

With heavy hearts the family announces that Annie passed away on July 17. Annie was born on April 28, 1938 in Wampum, MB to Adolph and Tilda (Halverson) Austinson. She lived a happy childhood with her 9 siblings (Harry, Melvin, Albert, Rudy, Martin, Alida, Emma, Elmer, Caroline). On April 7, 1955 she married Edward Smetana and together they built a life that was centered on family. Annie was a loving and caring mother to her four sons Daniel, Robert, Timothy and Lonnie. This focus on family continued to grow and Annie's pride in her 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild was always on display through the many photos that adorned her home.

Her passions of cooking and gardening allowed her to express her love for others in the food she would grow and prepare for them. Her beautiful flowers and abundant vegetable garden always amazed visitors to the family farm. Annie loved quiet times in nature and animals of all variety. Later in life, Annie grew to love crossword, soduko and many other types of puzzles. If you watched her work on a puzzle, you understood the determination by which she conducted the rest of her life. She also loved music and some of her sons’ fondest memories are of the times she'd strum her guitar and sing a classic country song. Annie touched the lives of many with her joyful personality, positive attitude and quiet strength. Anyone who has known her will feel the loss of her warmth, kindness and generosity.

Annie endured much in the last few years but continued on with courage and joy. The family gives sincere thanks to the staff at CancerCare Manitoba, Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, St Boniface Hospital (Ward 6E) and Vita & District Health Centre for their compassionate and professional care.

A private memorial service will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Wampum, MB. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in her honour to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9

As published in The Carillon on Jul 21, 2015