Smith – Zelma Lillian Smith, of Brooks, AB., beloved wife of Leo Smith passed away suddenly in Calgary, AB. on Thursday January 31st, 2019 at the age of 78 years. Zelma was born June 4th, 1940 in Brooks, to Vera and Glenwood Holden. She joined big brother Nephi. After Zelma, Gwen and Al joined the family. After an accident, Vera was left alone with 4 young children. Vera married Jim Perry in July, 1949 and he became a father to Zelma and her siblings. Art, Susan and Scott soon joined the family. After high school, Zelma worked as a telephone operator in Brooks, Strathmore and Banff, for a short while. She married Leo Smith on January 9th, 1959 in Rainier, AB. Soon after her family started to grow. Barry arrived in Aug. 1959, Glenn in Nov. 1960, Clifford in April 1963, Cody in Dec. 1964, Carl in Aug. 1968 and finally Zelma got her girl Sandra in Apr. 1970. During the early years of their marriage, Bow City was home but, Zelma also lived in a trailer depending on where Leo was working with his gravel truck. They moved to Milo in 1965and they lived there for 10 years. They returned to Rainier in 1974 and made it their home until 2004, when they moved into Brooks. Family meant everything to Zelma. She could put together a meal quickly for whomever dropped by. Her home was always open for everyone. She enjoyed playing cards and games, dancing, knitting and gardening but, most of all taking care of her family. Zelma was predeceased by her parents Jim and Vera Perry, her siblings Al Holden, Nephi Holden, Gwen Hobson and brother-in-law Jack Hobson and her mother and father in law Robert and Mary Smith. Zelma is survived by her husband of 60 years, Leo; her children Barry and his wife Patsy, Glenn and his friend Helen, Clifford and his wife Dianna, Cody and his wife Tammy, Carl and his wife Lisa and Sandra Redpath and her husband Clint. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, Dean, Raemona, Naomi, Garrett, Carson, Jenni, Blake, Rachelle, Ethan, Kelsey, Nolan, Will and Lisa. Her siblings Art Perry (Janice), Susan MacRae (Craig) and Scott Perry (Debbie) and her brothers-in-law Robert Smith (Arlene) and Kelly Smith (Raffaella) and sister-in-law Jean Holden. Also she had 13 great grandchildren and a very large extended family. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cassils Community Hall on Wednesday, February 6th, 2019 at 1:00 PM. Rev. John Theiss officiating. A private family internment will be held at Bow City Cemetery. In memory of Zelma, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either STARS, Suite 100, 1519 – 35th Avenue East, Edmonton International Airport T9E 5Y7 or a Charity of Choice.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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