Obituary of Harriet Margaret Smyth

Etta, beloved wife of Tommy Smyth, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2009 at the age of 74 years. Etta was born Harriet Margaret Noon to Bessie Rae and James Noon. She grew up in Maryhill, Glasgow as the youngest of two, with Joyce Howell being the eldest. As a child she spent part of the war as an evacuee in the countryside while Glasgow was the victim of bombing raids. Rationing was an everyday aspect of life then and as a result, in later years she was never without a ‘stash’ of sweeties. Whenever we hear ‘sweetie papers’ rustling we always think of her. She met her future husband Tommy Smyth ‘at the dancin’, Greens Playhouse to be exact, and it was not long before they were an item. They married in 1955 and had Linda, Laura, Valerie and Shaun. She said on her deathbed that she was eternally proud of her children. The family emigrated from Scotland to Canada in 1969 and she made many new friends in Calgary. Etta and Tommy travelled extensively but she wanted to say that her homeland was always her favourite place to visit. One of her greatest joys in life was to follow her son’s acting career and both she and Tommy travelled across the country to see each new play. Etta worked for the Calgary Catholic School Board at Bishop Carroll and at the central office. She was proud to be employed there and had fond memories of her workmates and her work. She wanted everyone to know, if they did not already, that she liked a good laugh and that she never saw a bargain that she could resist. Etta was great fun, an avid reader, a great singer and patron of the theatre. She enjoyed being involved in the lives of her 9 grandchildren and was thrilled about the latest addition, her great grand daughter born just a week before her death. She wanted her sons -in- law to know that she valued their friendship. We will all miss her terribly but we are happy that her suffering has ended. …’and yet they who are long gone are in us, As predisposition, as burden upon our destiny, as blood that pulsates And as gesture that rises up out of the depth of time… Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Finally she asked us to thank all her caregivers over the past few years at the Foothills and Rockyview Hospitals with special thanks to Dr Tam and all her nurses on Unit 57 at the Rocky who made her last days peaceful and free of worry. Her entire family wishes to echo these last thoughts and thank the wonderful team at the Rocky for all of their charity towards Etta and the hope that they gave her. Thanks also to Father Dowling for his visits to her in her last days. Her doctor for these last two years was Dr Geoghegan who worked so hard to keep her well. We appreciate everything that he did for her. In living memory of Etta Smyth, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.