In Memory Of

Ella Roberta Smith

Apr 10, 1946 - Jan 31, 2025

Obituary

Ella Roberta Smith was born and raised in Swan River, Manitoba where she obtained her nursing program as a RN and eventually made her way to Calgary, AB and pursued her dream. She had a passion for her friends and family, a passion for being on the farm helping with the horses, and a passion for hosting gatherings in her home surrounded with those she cherished. She found pure joy in spending time with her 3 great nephews Drake, Degan and Deklan; they were her pride and joy and 3 right hand men. She looked forward to weekend sleepovers, to go do fun activities around the city, take them to their favorite stores, or cook them their favorite meals. Her yearly Christmas tradition of decorating gingerbread cookies became a family gathering alongside two of her other special boys in her life, Brett and Jarrod Pawlak. Brett and Jarrod are the sons of her close friend Shelly and Gene Pawlak. They were friends she felt as family. Shelly, Gene, Joe and Mary became part of the family. From trips to the Shuswap to road trips to Disneyland, she always found time for them in her life. She would bring the boys out to the farm in Rocky Mountain House, to spend time with the horses and learn how to become good ole farm kids. No matter where life took Aunty Ella, she always found time for her family. Aunty Ella enjoyed family gatherings with her siblings and their families. Many fond memories full of laughter, great stories and opportunities to reconnect. She really valued those moments.
Her nursing friends were also a group of women she cherished. She loved any involvement on committees and took pride in helping with nursing education.
Aunty Ella retired from the Calgary Remand Center in 2009 after 27 years. She always said “Once a nurse always a nurse”. She then reached out and helped people in other ways.
In 2017, due to health issues, she moved into Monterey Senior Village. She made many new friends and enjoyed numerous activities. Monterey staff did amazing on giving her duties to keep her busy and content. We can’t thank you enough. We will miss you Aunt Ella. You will always remain in our hearts.
She is survived by her 3 sisters: Lorna (Rob) Redlick of Westlock, AB, Georgina (Reid) Sheil of Swan River, MB, Kathy Morrow of Barrhead, AB; 2 sister in laws: Loretta Smith of Calgary, AB and Myrna Smith of Rocky Mountain House, AB; nieces and nephews: Cyd Dewaha, Dwight (Debbie) Buchanan, Cindy, Lori, and Teddi Smith, Grant Sheil, Kari (Guy) Bardwell, Stacey Burton, Lyndon (Sharon) Morrow, Kerry (Roland) Vanhecile, Mike (Janine) Morrow, Bryan (Chelsey) Morrow; and numerous great nieces and nephews
She was predeceased by her parents Amy and Dave Smith; brothers Bill and Glen Smith; brother in laws Thomas Buchanan and Daryl Morrow; nieces Roberta and Leslie Ann Buchanan, Kim Sheil and nephew John Dewaha.

Condolences

Marilyn Wacko, Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust (ARNET):

My sincere condolences to Ella’s family. I have such fond memories of Ella from my time at the AARN. She was a strong advocate for nursing education and was involved in many provincial committees. Ella was a truly lovely person, and she will be deeply missed. Your obituary was a beautiful tribute to who she was.
Marilyn Wacko, RN, Executive Director, ARNET

Marguerite Arnold (Sharp):

My sincere Condolencees to Ella's family and friends. She made an important contribution to those she cared about and cared for in her work. May she rest in peace.

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