Obituary of Josie Elisabeth Smith

October 18, 1951 -Tilburg, Netherlands

December 11, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Josie Smith beloved wife of Ron Smith of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at the age of 71 years.

Josie was born in Tilburg, Netherlands on October 18, 1951, and immigrated to Canada with her parents and two sisters in 1952 and settled in Calgary.

Josie completed all her formal education growing up in Calgary and started her career as a Medical Administration Assistant at the Holy Cross before moving onto similar positions with Doctor of Psychology and Chiropractic. Josie retired at the end of 2003 to begin her next career as Grandma for her first grandson and all the grandchildren to follow.

Josie married Ron on July 24, 1971 and they continued to reside in various residences in Calgary other than an employment transfer to Leduc from 1977-81.

Josie accomplished much through her life and particularly loved the time shared with family and friends.

Josie loved helping her husband come around to her point of view, raising her children and so proud how they have grown over the years and actively became part of her grandchildren lives William, Benjamin, Sarah, Emma, and Sophie. In her spare time, she enjoyed her crafts, quilting, sewing, and reading novels.

Josie’s most memorable vacations were Jill and Stephan’s wedding in Mexico and Marc and Jill’s wedding in Penticton, camping outings and vacations with the family and friends. Her favorite winter holiday was spending several months each year in Palm Springs to shop for her and the family, relax by the pool and share time with old and new friends.

Besides her loving husband, Josie is survived by son Marc (daughter- in-law, Jill) Smith of Airdrie and daughter Jill (son-in- law, Stephan) Roy of Calgary; five grandchildren William, Benjamin, Sarah, Emma, and Sophie.

Josie is also survived by two sisters, Rian DeJong of Calgary, and Marjo Sheddy of Edmonton; mother-in-law Vivian “Nana” Smith of Calgary; brothers-in-law Murray Smith of Didsbury and Brian (sister-in-law, Sean) Smith of Calgary; and sister-in-law Debbie (bother-in-law David) Chamberland of Cochrane; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Josie was predeceased by her parents Gus “Papa” and Betty “Nanny” DeJong and father-in-law Frank “Grandad” Smith.

Josie’s favourite quote “life goes on, enjoy it”.

“When a loved one becomes a memory, a memory becomes a treasure. Treasure the memories”

As per Josie’s wishes no formal services will be held. In lieu of flowers if friends do desire, memorial tributes can be made to the Lung Association or charity of your choice.

In living memory of Josie Smith, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.