Obituaries
Jean Effie Torbett Smith
April 29, 1928 - April 22, 2018
Obituary For Jean Effie Torbett Smith
It is with love and fond memories that we announce the passing of Jean Smith on Sunday, April 22, 2018. She left us one week before her 90th birthday, and her 70th wedding anniversary. She was surrounded by loved ones and she left this life as she lived it: peacefully and grateful for all that she had been given.
Jean Effie Smith was born on the family farm on April 29, 1928, the first child and only daughter of John and Eva (nee Sweet) Torbett. She grew up in the Drayton Valley area of central Alberta, and met her future husband, Frank Smith, shortly after he returned from service in WWII.
Frank and Jean married in 1948 and raised their family in Grande Prairie where they put down deep roots through children, friends, church membership, neighbors, and Frank’s work at Imperial Lumber and Canfor.
Jean loved many things: camping, road trips, baking, picking berries, sewing (she made quilts for every baby born in her church for several years), but above all else, she loved people. Her home was always open, and fresh baking was always waiting for company.
Jean is survived by her husband Frank; brother in-law Bert (Doreen) Smith; sisters in-law: Faye Freisz and Jenny Smith; step-brother Jim (Evelyn) Aldous; step-sister Judy Batke; five children: Eileen (Robert) Stierle, Frances (Peter) Biegel, Lyle (Shurl) Smith, Leona (Jerry) Wright, and Ron (Fran) Smith; proud grandma to seven grandchildren: Christian (Jane) Schotz, Tamara (Mike) Gillett, Aimee (Ryan) Orser, Dirk (Brie) Schotz, Jorden (Tom) Habib, Erieanna (Zach) Orich, and Garett (Brandi) Smith. These dutiful grandchildren have given Jean and Frank fifteen great-grandchildren and the sight of any one of them brought a smile to Jean.
She was predeceased by her parents; two younger brothers David Torbett and John Torbett, parents in-law William and Grace Smith; brothers in-law Jim Smith, Walter Smith, Les Smith, and Harry Freisz.
The family would like to thank the staff and Grande Prairie Care Centre for the care that they gave Jean and the kindness extended to us in our loss.
A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018, at 2:00pm, at Church of Christ Highland Park in Grande Prairie (9602 92 Ave.) with Pastor Alan Jones officiating. Coffee and lunch will be served immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
Memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke of Alberta (Unit 109, 10126 120 Ave. Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 8H9)
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Condolences
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June 24, 2021
LaCroix Tammy
My sincere sympathies to you Frank, and your family. Jean was a wonderful lady! She was kind and thoughtful. Always had a smile on her face. I enjoyed our visits over the fence and feel blessed to have had such wonderful neighbours.
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June 24, 2021
Impey Thomas
WE are sorry to here of Jeans Passing. We have not been in touch for the last period of time,but have news of the family through my brother Hugh. Tom
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June 24, 2021
Boschman Romkes Cindy
So sorry for your loss, Ron and family. She was such a nice lady. I always enjoyed chatting with her when I'd see her, and was always amazed that she remembered who I was. Take care.
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June 24, 2021
Tranter Jerry
It is with a sad heart that I send condolences to Frank and all the family, in the passing of Jean. She was a wonderful lady and a wonderful witness for the lord through her hospitality and service at the Church. Jean baked the little communion loafs for our Church and helped Frank set up for communion every week for many, many years. Sharon and I had many wonderful camping and fishing trips with Frank and Jean to places like Moonshine Lake, Two Lakes and Sturgeon Lake. We have wonderful memories of our activities and meals together around the fire, as well as visits to their home, where Jean always had fresh baked cookies! Now Jean and Sharon are together again! Love you guys! Jerry
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June 24, 2021
Hagerman Gwen
Prayers and hugs. She was a good wife and mother. Such a sweet smile and manner
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