Obituary of Roni Smith

June 22, 1933 - Calgary, Alberta

November 15, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound love and heartfelt sorrow that we share the news of Veronica “Roni” Mary Smith's passing in Calgary on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the age of 90 years. Roni, a native of Calgary, was the daughter of Betty and Joe Murphy.

Roni was married for 66 years to Hayden Edwin Smith, who passed in April of 2018. Roni and Hayden's love story began at the Sateen Dance during their teenage years, culminating in their union on February 9, 1952, when they were 18 and 21 years old, respectively. Hayden was infinitely lucky to have spent so many years with the most devoted, kind, and nurturing wife in Roni. Roni's impact was far-reaching, leaving behind a legacy of love and community.

A woman of many talents, Roni was a socialite, athlete (with prowess in golf, tennis, and bowling), culinary artist, a gracious hostess, and, above all, a devoted mother. Her children, Don (Susie) Smith, the late Barry Smith, Gordon Smith, Marlene (Dom) Kelly, and Carolyn (Jamie) Moroney were the priority above all else. To them, Roni was more than a mother—she was the epitome of love and support.

In 1967, the family relocated to Kelvin Grove, transforming their new house in Kenosee Place into a warm and inviting home. This home served as the backdrop for countless dinner parties, festive gatherings, Santa visits, and the creation of cherished memories. Fondly dubbed, the ‘Ranch’, it evolved into a central hub for community gatherings and always offered the comfort of a home-cooked meal.

By 1970, the family expanded their retreats by acquiring a cottage at Sylvan Lake. This became their holiday haven, brimming with memories of water-skiing, tubing, swimming, skating, and tobogganing. Champagne brunches, barbecues featuring prime rib roast with homemade BBQ sauce, and leisurely days on the deck with Caesars became some of Roni's most cherished moments.

In 1977, they added another dimension to their escapes by acquiring their condo in Palm Springs. Winters were spent there, playing tennis, golf, and making new friends.

Hayden and Roni took immense pride in their roles as grandparents to Stephen Smith, Natalie (Ben) Shaub, Michael Smith, Jarod Smith, Matthew Kelly, Katrina Kelly, Sean Moroney, and Phil Moroney. Their joy expanded further with the addition of six great-grandchildren, Isabella, Ethan, Emalina, Spencer, and Savannah Shaub; and Rocky Smith.

As we bid farewell to Roni, we carry with us the enduring lessons of her life—the importance of family, the joy found in shared moments, and the impact of a kind and loving spirit on those around us. The echoes of her laughter, the aroma of her home-cooked meals, and the enduring memories created within her home serve as a testament to a life well-lived. Roni’s enduring faith as a devout Roman Catholic quietly guided her throughout her life. Though she may no longer be with us in person, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, and her memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to those who were privileged to know her. A special thank you to the caring staff at Amica Britannia where Roni spent the last eight months of her life. We are forever indebted to the staff at Chateau Renoir where Roni enjoyed eleven wonderful years.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church (5340 4 St SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall at the church. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Veronica’s family here.

In living memory of Veronica Smith, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.