Obituary of Evelyn Denise Smid

April 21, 1972 – Newmarket, Ontario

July 21, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, Bella slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus after a four-month battle with cancer. Her warm smile, uniquely contagious laugh, and deep love for everyone will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Born and raised in Ontario, Bella was the second daughter of Diane and Martin Smid and the younger sister of Anna Jo. With a keen appreciation for detail, young Bella spent as much time setting up her toys (and later her tech gadgets) as she did playing with them, an auspicious beginning to her lifelong gift for organization and administration. Throughout their school years, the two sisters enjoyed roller-skating around the neighbourhood and in the basement while singing to Anne Murray.

When the family moved west in 1988, Bella completed high school and worked at a local car dealership before switching to a bank in Penticton. While in Penticton, Bella married and was a tremendous mother to her son, Scott. She later relocated to Calgary, where she bought a house, raised her son, and worked full-time at CLAC for fourteen years, forming close bonds with her colleagues, whom she called her brothers.

Bella's world centered around what was best for Scott. As a little girl, she had always dreamed of being a missionary. After a trip to Thailand, she discovered a significant need for workers in the fight against human trafficking and felt the Lord calling to her heart. When the opportunity arose in 2013, Bella sold everything in Calgary and returned to Thailand. For seven years, she served with the Christian Missionary Alliance, walking alongside young girls at risk through a restorative program and consistently sharing the love of Jesus with them. Due to the growing COVID-19 pandemic, Bella reluctantly returned to Canada in early 2020. Settling in Victoria, she quickly picked up where she left off in Thailand and spent the next three years dedicated to assisting Victoria's most vulnerable youth, feeling like part of the family at the Sanctuary Youth Centre. 

Despite heartache and challenges, Bella led a life surrendered to Christ and was deeply thankful for the faithful friends He provided throughout her journey. Special thanks to those friends who came from far away to tenderly care for her during her hospice stay. Her motto and email signature was “2blessed2bdepressed” and she lived that out.

Bella is survived by her mother, Diane Smid, her sister, Annajo Hendriks (Mark), and her nephews, Niko (Breea) and Niels. She was predeceased by her father, Martin, and her son, Scott.

Funeral Services will be held at Southview Alliance Church (20200 Walden Blvd SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the ministry close to her heart, Cornerstone Youth Society, 766 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 4A1, Telephone: (250) 385-6255, Email: sanctuaryyouth@outlook.com Website: www.santuaryyouth.org.

The family requests that you please save the date for Saturday, September 21, 2024. More information will be available once confirmed.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Evelyn’s family here.

In living memory of Evelyn Smid, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.