Obituary of SMILEY – Wilma Mary

May 29, 1960 – April 21, 2011 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wilma, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, daughter and friend, on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at the age of 50 years. Wilma was born in Bow Island, AB and raised in the farming community of Hays, AB. She moved to Lethbridge when she was 18 to pursue her diploma in Rehabilitation Services at Lethbridge College. Upon graduation she worked at Children’s House where she found her true calling of working with children. She also later worked with the brain injured at Lethbridge Family Services. Wilma supported her husband as he pursued his career with stops in Victoria, B.C., Kelowna, B.C. and Saskatoon, SK. Wilma, Gord and the kids moved to Calgary eleven years ago. She immediately found work with the Catholic school division at St. Stephen and Father James Whelihan as a Special Needs Assistant. She later moved to Renfrew Educational Services to work with developmentally challenged children. Wilma was a warm and caring person who made friends wherever she went. She was a devoted hockey mom and managed two of Brett’s teams in the Shaw Meadows Hockey Association. Wilma spent hours at various Calgary pools watching Kathleen pursue a competitive swimming career. She was a fundraiser, volunteer and was passionate about children, her real gift. She later developed a flair for painting. Wilma loved spending time with her family particularly her nieces and nephews. She was also a loyal friend and trusted confidante. She faced cancer with gritted determination. She endured numerous treatments, never complained, never asked why. Her battle was truly heroic and an inspiration to everyone. She was a great mom and wonderful wife. We miss her dearly. Wilma slipped away from us at the Foothills Country Hospice surrounded by her two children, Kathleen and Brett; her beloved husband Gord of twenty-eight years; and dear family friend Teresa Henderson. Wilma fought a two-and-a-half year battle against cancer with grace and dignity. She is also survived by her mother Corry Brenner; sisters, Audrey Van Son-Turner (Doug), Betty Rondeau and Joanne Bowerin (Greg); brothers, Tony Van Son (Linda); Kerry Van Son (Pierrette), Andrew Van Son (Tracy); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father John Van Son in January of 2008. A celebration of Wilma’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Foothills Country Hospice Society, P.O. Box 274, Okotoks, AB, Telephone: (403) 995-4673, www.countryhospice.org. In living memory of Wilma Smiley, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.