Obituary of Marion Ellen Smyth

SMYTH: It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Marion Ellen Smyth, who passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on June 8th, 2014. She leaves to mourn her loving husband John; children Diana (Jim) Watt and Randy (Lauren) Smyth; grandchildren Jason (Teri), Brad (Jessica) and Tyler (Brett) Watt, Sean (Candice) and Kyle (Ashley) Rowan, Trevor and Taylor (Savanah) Smyth, Richie and Rhett Walker; great-grandchildren Ashton Watt, Calleigh Kennedy, Hendricks, Tiernan and Finn Rowan; and her siblings Lyle (Gert) Routledge, Ev (Len) Allan, Pearl (Peter) Van Buiten, Judy (Greg) Grant, Bill (Norma) Routledge and brother-in-law Tom Tunski. She was predeceased by Doreen (Art) Shura and Olive Tunski. Marion was born on the family farm at Lenore, Manitoba, to Ida and Bob Routledge, and was the third of eight children. After spending her early years at Lenore, Marion and her family moved to Hamiota, eventually settling at a farm near Oakner. It was from the family farm that Marion departed at the age of 15 to take the train to Brandon. This voyage would prove to be a life-changing one for Marion, as a chance encounter at the Rivers Train Station resulted in her meeting her future husband, and lifelong partner, John. It did not take long for Marion's relentless work ethic and drive to make an impression on the Smyth family, and she enjoyed her years as a young adult working both at the Smyth Grill in Rivers, and assisting her mother with the General Store in Oakner. Marion and John soon began building a family of their own, and eventually permanently settled in Brandon. It was in Brandon that Marion found employment with Child and Family Services, where she worked for over 25 years, before enjoying her well-deserved retirement. Marion and John travelled extensively, both with their children, as well as with close friends upon retirement. Particularly cherished trips include holidays to Disneyland, Alaska, the Maritime Provinces and Victoria. In her later years, Marion consumed herself with the comings and goings of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply and brought her immense pride. Although extensive travel was eventually made prohibitive by health, Marion was never one to be left behind and was able to keep tabs on her flock by utilizing her iPad. Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Marion will be terribly missed and remembered as a strong, independent and fiercely loyal individual. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at Brandon Home Care for their attentive care, compassion and delicacy in Marion's last days. In accordance with her wishes, a small, private ceremony was held for members of Marion's immediate family at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. If so desired, donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, 8-940 Princess Avenue, Brandon, MB, R7A 0P6.