Obituary of Dorothy Ethel Smyth

It is with great sadness that her family announces the passing of our most precious Mother on Monday, March 5, 2007. Born February 2, 1918 in Assiniboia, SK, Dorothy married Thomas Patrick Smyth in 1941 and lived happily with him until October of 1951, raising three children when Tom, unfortunately, passed away far too young at age thirty-seven. Left with three young children at the age of thirty-three, she promptly got back on her feet and dusted off both herself and her teacher’s certificate, obtained her degree while going to summer school, and taught school in Unity, SK for the next thirty years while totally devoting her non-teaching hours to raising her young family. Her energy and her love were rewarded by her producing a medical doctor, a high school mathematics teacher and a lawyer. Her focus, perseverance and love remain an inspiration to her family, as well as many who were aware of her achievements. Our precious “Dauberle” is survived by her children, Dr. Irene Simons of Montreal, Richard Smyth (Karen) of St. Albert, and Robert Smyth (Nancy) of Calgary. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Christopher Simons (Laura) of Philadelphia, Dr. Jonathan Simons (Jenny) of Montreal and Laura Simons of Victoria, Kirsten Smyth of Edmonton, Sharon Thiessen (Aducio) of Edmonton and Lori-Ann Smyth of Edmonton, Stephen Smyth (Kristine) of Calgary, and Darren and Ryan Smyth, both of Calgary. Dorothy is also survived by her brother Gordon Padfield of Regina, SK as well as a growing herd of nine great-grandchildren. Dorothy lived in Unity, SK until June of 2003 where she played an active role in the community including Unity United Church. She was an avid bridge and scrabble player and eagerly devoured any crossword puzzle within reach. The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude to her many friends and the entire community of Unity for the love, support and friendship extended to Mother during the more than fifty years she resided there. Special thanks to Valerie Middleton and Rachel Marten for their friendship and assistance which enabled Mother to remain in her home as long as possible. Her family will be returning her remains to that community to rest beside her beloved Tom later this spring or summer. A heartfelt thanks also goes out to the compassionate, patient caregivers at Father Lacombe Care Centre where Dorothy spent her final months. You are truly appreciated. A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life for family and friends will be held at Father Lacombe Care Centre Chapel (332 – 146 Avenue S.E.) on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Father Lacombe Care Centre, 332 – 146 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 2A3. Space is limited in the Chapel and it is respectfully requested that friends and former students wishing to attend contact Robert Smyth (Bus.) 253-2257, (Res) 271-8209, so as to not overwhelm the facility.