SMITH
Dorothy May
1921 - 2011
Dorothy May Smith passed away peacefully May 22, 2011 at the age of 89 years. Dorothy was born September 19, 1921 to Samuel and Katherine Savage at the Stettler Hospital, the eldest of three children. She grew up on the family farm north of Big Valley and went to the Dunbaney country school. Dorothy met her husband Lawrison at the country dance, and they were married in 1941. They both worked for Cap Perkinson on his farm, until they moved to the Smith family farm in 1943, and began farming on their own. To this union two children were born, Marjourie Fern and David Samuel Ernest. In 1957 they moved into Stettler and Dorothy began working for Alec and Evelyn Manson at the Stettler Flower Shop. With Alec's training, Dorothy became a very talented florist, and when given the opportunity to purchase the shop in 1974, she became a business owner. The business flourished, and there was always lots of fun and laughter between the staff and customers and Lawrison, who was the flower delivery man. Dorothy was often aware of tragedy before others, due to her line of work, and because of this she was often the first to drop off a hot meal or baking to others. She was an active volunteer in the community for many years; helping with Rotary dinners (later she became a convener), a member of the Royal Purple, and a volunteer at the Stettler Museum. Despite working full time, Dorothy and Lawrison enjoyed taking a long vacation yearly, travelling to numerous places with her sister Rita and husband Harvey. After selling the flower shop in 1981, Dorothy and Lawrison spent time annually in Arizona with them. Dorothy always enjoyed people and spending time with the family was always a priority. Both Lawrison and Dorothy had large extended families, and through the years, weekends and holidays often involved spending time with them. Dorothy gained her favourite son-in-law in 1965, when Fern married Don, and became a grandma in 1966. Within five years she had three granddaughters. She always found time for the girls when they stopped by the flower shop, and she had them over weekly on Wednesdays to spend time with her and Lawrison. Dorothy was a kind and generous grandma. Dorothy has four great-grandchildren, who she saw often and was very proud of. One of her favourite things to do in recent years was watch the great grandkids play. In her later years Dorothy enjoyed her Monday morning coffee group with friends and visiting with anyone she came across. After Lawrison passed away, Dorothy moved into Heart Haven Lodge, where she enjoyed all the activities and the companionship of residents and staff. She spent the last ten months in the Auxiliary Hospital, where she received loving care from the staff. Dorothy is survived by her loving daughter Fern (Don); her three granddaughters, Lisa (Randy) Heaps, Tami (Derek) Doke, and Tracy Lindstrom and four great granddaughters, Amy, Jordan, Jack, and Carly. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Lois Savage, Jean (Charlie) Usher, and brothers-in-law Harvey Pooley and Jack (Shirley) Smith, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Katherine, brother Bill and sister Rita. Her loving husband Lawrison died in 1997 and her son David in 1962. Dorothy with be missed by all. Funeral services were held at the Stettler United Church on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 10:00 am with the Rev. Debbie Stockdale officiating. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Dorothy, memorial contributions may be made to the Stettler Health Services Foundation, at the Heart Haven Lodge or to a charity of your choice in care of BRENNEN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES
P.O. Box 193 Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0 who have been entrusted with the care and arrangements. 403-742-3315.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family at brennen@telusplanent.net.