Obituary of Verna Jean SMITH

March 29, 1937 – January 16, 2013 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Verna Smith (nee Burns) on Wednesday January 16 2013 at the age of 75 years. Verna passed away peacefully at home with her family surrounding her after a long battle with cancer and ALS. Born in Pincher Creek Alberta, Verna was a graduate of the University of Alberta and went on to work in the field of biology in research and education. In her early years she taught abroad and, when she settled back to Calgary, with the Calgary Board of Education. She had a passion for travel, the great outdoors and meeting new people. She was a world traveller, an avid hiker and skier as well as an active volunteer across many communities. Verna cherished the many friendships she made as a ski friend at Lake Louise, a member of the senior alpine club of Canada, the Bluebird Society and through her volunteer work for the countless organizations including the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation and the Alzheimer’s Society. She enjoyed cowboy poetry, playing bridge, the Rosebud theatre, living in the country and watching her grandchildren grow. She passed her love for science and nature on to her children and grandchildren. Verna is survived by her children; Craig (Libby) Smith and Lori (Trevor) Sedgwick; grandchildren Austin, Keelan, Katie and Oscar and her sister Darilyn (John) Platt. She was predeceased by her husband David Smith and her parents Jean and Vernon Burns. At Verna’s request a private family memorial will be held. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Verna’s name may be made to The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation. Box 68, Madden, AB T0M 1L0, www.aiwc.ca. In living memory of Verna Smith, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.