It is with tender hearts we announce the passing of our sweet aunt, devoted sister and cherished friend. Gweneth Viola Smith passed peacefully in the Cardston Hospital on April 27, 2025 at 88 years young.
She is survived by her sister, Ona Bilan, numerous nieces and nephews, and many loving friends. Gwen is predeceased by her mother and father, Lydia Doris Baumbach and Mathew Benjamin Smith; her six brothers; Lawrence, Robert, Allan, Cyril, William and Daryl Smith; and her life partner Andrew Burns.
Gwen was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on December 5, 1936; she was the sixth of eight children.
While she was a young girl her family relocated to Medicine Hat, Alberta. She remained there until she was finished school and then moved to Calgary to work for Suncor Oil. She later moved to Vancouver Island and found it to be the place that brought her heart the most joy. Gwen did a great deal of traveling through her lifetime including Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada, Caribbean, and Alaska.
Gwen dedicated her life to taking care of those she loved. She treated her family and friends with love, kindness and respect. The last one in her care was her sweet little dog, Marley. Gwen’s heart broke with the loss of Marley but she still continued to look for the silver lining in life.
Gwen was a self described ‘recycled teenager.’ She was full of life and laughter and always had a smile on her face. She loved adventure and being outdoors. Gwen was drawn to everything that instilled a sense of wonder and delight. From flowering plants and fruit bearing trees to wind chimes, patio lights and walks along the beach, you could be sure if it brought joy, it was part of Gwen’s life.
Gwen was the kind of person you could meet in the line at the grocery store and by the time you had gotten through the line (no matter how short it was) you felt like you had known her your whole life. She had a way of putting you at ease and making you feel like a million dollars at the same time. Gwen was immensely generous with her love, kindness and forgiveness. She will be missed dearly by all who love her.
Laid to rest in Victoria, B.C. A Celebration of Life will be held in Cardston County, Alberta at a later date.
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She is survived by her sister, Ona Bilan, numerous nieces and nephews, and many loving friends. Gwen is predeceased by her mother and father, Lydia Doris Baumbach and Mathew Benjamin Smith; her six brothers; Lawrence, Robert, Allan, Cyril, William and Daryl Smith; and her life partner Andrew Burns.
Gwen was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on December 5, 1936; she was the sixth of eight children.
While she was a young girl her family relocated to Medicine Hat, Alberta. She remained there until she was finished school and then moved to Calgary to work for Suncor Oil. She later moved to Vancouver Island and found it to be the place that brought her heart the most joy. Gwen did a great deal of traveling through her lifetime including Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada, Caribbean, and Alaska.
Gwen dedicated her life to taking care of those she loved. She treated her family and friends with love, kindness and respect. The last one in her care was her sweet little dog, Marley. Gwen’s heart broke with the loss of Marley but she still continued to look for the silver lining in life.
Gwen was a self described ‘recycled teenager.’ She was full of life and laughter and always had a smile on her face. She loved adventure and being outdoors. Gwen was drawn to everything that instilled a sense of wonder and delight. From flowering plants and fruit bearing trees to wind chimes, patio lights and walks along the beach, you could be sure if it brought joy, it was part of Gwen’s life.
Gwen was the kind of person you could meet in the line at the grocery store and by the time you had gotten through the line (no matter how short it was) you felt like you had known her your whole life. She had a way of putting you at ease and making you feel like a million dollars at the same time. Gwen was immensely generous with her love, kindness and forgiveness. She will be missed dearly by all who love her.
Laid to rest in Victoria, B.C. A Celebration of Life will be held in Cardston County, Alberta at a later date.
Click to Send Condolences to the Family