Obituary of May Lorraine Smeltz

SMELTZ: May Lorraine Smeltz of Brandon, beloved wife of the late Harvey Smeltz (Schmelz), passed away at Fairview Personal Care Home on Thursday, November 25, 2010 at the age of 97 years. May is survived by her sons: Elwin (Lorraine) of Cromer, MB, Morris (Deb) of Calgary, AB and Keith (Marilee) of Reston, MB, daughter-in-law, Poppy Cumming of Oak Lake, MB; grandchildren: Kevin (Lucille), Kerry (Kate), Phil (Renee), David, Michelle (Trevor), Jaimie, Kimberly and Marcie and great grandchildren: Lissa, Martin, Sarah, Steven, Bradley, Julie, Jordan and Emily. She also leaves two sisters, Vera Munn and Ella Lacey of Brandon, brothers-in-law, Gordon Smeltz of Reston and Neil McLeish of Calgary, sister-in-law, Lenora Churcher, of Victoria, BC and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, brothers Grant and Bob, and sister Norma Wilson. May was born March 22, 1913 at Sinclair, MB, the first child of Robert and Olive Churcher. The family farmed at Antler, SK until 1929 when they moved to Brandon. May completed school and then attended the School of Nursing at Brandon Mental Hospital, graduating as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in May 1937. She married Harvey on October 12, 1940 and they farmed in the Elm Valley District near Cromer. Harvey passed away on February 6, 1962 and May continued to live on the farm until 1969 when she moved to Brandon. She returned to nursing, working at Fairview from December 1969 until February 1978. She enjoyed her summer cottage at Oak Lake Beach and her apartment in Brandon for many years after retirement. She was a member of Knox United Church and participated in the life and work of the church as long as she was able to. She has resided at Fairview PCH since March 2005. She was a very caring person and was happiest when she was doing something to help others. The family would like to thank the staff at Fairview PCH for the wonderful care they have provided to May over the past five years and especially during the last several weeks. Thanks, also to Eleanor Broadhead for her friendship and care to Mom. A celebration of May's life was held at Brockie Donovan Funeral Chapel on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 2:30 pm with Rev. David Cathcart officiating. May was interred beside Harvey in Reston Cemetery at a private family service on November 30. If friends desire, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.