Mildred Smith

Mildred Smith (nee Allan)

November 22, 1919 – December 12, 2016

It is with sadness but appreciation after 97 wonderful years of a life well lived, the family of Mildred (Millie) Smith, announce her passing. After a brief illness with family at her side, Mum passed peacefully in her sleep, just the way she wanted to go. She was a resident of Pinecrest. Mum lived independently in her home until age 95 and took pride in having a valid driver’s license until then.

Mum was born at home in Keewatin, predeceased by parents John and Eliza (Kelley) Allan, sister Eva (Gordon Davis), brother Bob (Thora), and two infant brothers Clifford and William. Mum met her loving husband John Walter Smith after WWII, they married January 22, 1949 and raised and nutured their children in their Lakeside home. She was predeceased by her husband in 1996 and his siblings Ed, Della Wallin, Ruby Boulton, Ellison, their spouses and other extended family. She is survived by sister-in-law Colleen Williamson.

Cherishing many wonderful memories of Mum/Nanny/Great Nanny are children, Allan (Pauline)Edmonton, and children April (Cody) Tilma, Julie (Patrick) Phibbs, and Donald (Tamara) Smith; Colleen (Gerry) Holmstrom Kenora, and children Alana (Devin) Wentzell, and Kristofor (Jen) Holmstrom; Doug (Debbie) Dawson Creek, BC, and children Nona, Jennifer, Kerry (Ryan) Price, and Dane (Krystal) Smith; and Peggy (Dave) Holland Kenora, and children Johnathan, Jeff and Greg.

She adored the grandchildren and loved to knit them socks, teach and play card games. Her great grandchildren brought her much joy, Ava and Van Phibbs; Kate Wentzell; Millie and Poppy Holmstrom; Colt-Lynn McLeod and Christopher Peterson, and Justus, twins Mackenzie and Lily Price.

Mum had a special place in her heart for nieces Mil Davis, Bonnie (John Morton) and nephew Bob (Brenda) Allan and children Melissa and Mathew (Whitney). Also surviving are close nieces and nephews Roberta, Peter, Jamie and Ruby Boulton and their families.

Mum’s childhood revolved around the family business, Allan’s Confectionery and Tearoom in Keewatin. We all loved to hear her stories of life around the store and her neighbourhood. Before marrying, Mum worked many years for Max Cameron Wholesale after graduating from Mrs. Fraser’s Business School in Kenora.

Mum and Dad’s life centered around the Lake of the Woods and had many wonderful adventures fishing and camping with family and friends. They were a social couple enjoying numerous neighbourhood parties and card games. Mum’s claim to fame with family and neighbours were her wonderful homemade buns, crab apple jelly, blueberry pies and chocolate cake. Mum had an amazing vivid memory and was a great historian. She loved to share those memories and enjoyed writing and speaking of Keewatin for the museum’s Common Ground at age 85 and 90. Mum was active in the community and was involved in Beta Sigma Phi, Festival of the Arts, Hospital Auxillary, Fun & Fitness volunteer at Pinecrest and the Lakeside rink. She was credited for helping start the outdoor figure skating program and thought this would make a great story for the next Common Ground.

A woman of faith, she attended and taught Sunday school at St. Andrews United Church in Keewatin during her early years and later a member of Knox United Church involved in the UCW and the Donna Club. Mum’s life was lived to God’s word and was an example of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and a true champion for anyone in need. We all strive to carry on her legacy of having a kind heart, to be thoughtful, positive, forgiving, and generous.

Her family would like to thank the staff of Birchwood and Pinecrest for their care and compassion and a special thank you to her long time doctor, Murray Workman.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Mum’s life will be held on July 7, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Knox United Church. In lieu of flowers donations greatly appreciated to the LWDH foundation, Knox United Church or Pinecrest Auxillary.

“I love you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck”

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com