In Loving Memory: Elsie Smith – Memento Funeral Chapel

With cherished memories and much love, the family of Elsie Smith (Hartl) of Bonnyville, AB announces the passing of their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother on January 13, 2025, at the age of 104 years. Elsie passed away at Long Term Care, Bonnyville Health Centre, where she resided for the past year.

Elsie was born on September 17, 1920, at the family farm near Quinton, SK. As the eldest child, Elsie took on many responsibilities on the farm, including bringing the cows in from the pasture, helping her dad with fencing, stooking and hauling sheeves, shoveling grain and ensuring the house was clean every Saturday. Elsie received her schooling in or near Quinton, SK, before pursuing nursing studies at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Humboldt, SK. She later completed her education at Sacred Heart Academy in Regina, where she took a business course.

On September 18, 1941, Elsie married Richard (Dick) Smith. A year later Dick joined the RCAF and was stationed in Brandon, MB and later Calgary. During this time Elsie worked as a waitress and secretary. When Dick was transferred to Dafoe, SK they lived for a year in a converted granary that her parents moved from the family farm.

After Dick’s discharge from the RCAF, they settled in Saskatoon where he attended university, and Elsie worked as a secretary for a variety of companies.  In 1950, Dick took a teaching job with the federal government at Poorman Indian Reserve near Quinton. Elsie was intrigued with the native crafts and culture and helped the women form a Homemaker Club. After a few years, the family relocated to Kamsack, where Dick taught high school.

In 1957, Dick’s teaching career brought them to Weyburn, SK. During their time there, Elsie became deeply involved in politics, volunteering for sixteen election campaigns at both the provincial and federal levels, where she organized and managed campaign offices. She was also an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, the United Appeal, and the Soo Line Historical Society. Elsie enjoyed sewing and was also happy with a hammer or garden hose in her hand. They remained in Weyburn until 1976, when Dick retired.

In retirement, their journey took them to several places, including Last Mountain Regional Park in SK, Abbotsford, BC and finally to Bonnyville to be closer to family. In the 1980’s Elsie became heavily involved in the executive leadership of the Bonnyville Seniors’ Drop-In Centre. She passionately advocated for senior housing at both local and provincial levels, dedicating herself to improving the lives of her peers.

In her mid-90s, Elsie embraced a new chapter, moving to Vernon to enjoy the warmer weather and spend more time with her BC family. She eventually returned to Bonnyville, where she continued to cherish the company of loved ones and her community.

At the remarkable age of 102, Elsie was honored with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022, recognizing her lifelong contributions and advocacy.

Elsie is lovingly survived by her daughters Faye (Harold) Keating of Regina, Elda (Don) Thackeray of Bonnyville and Ina Smith of Edmonton; her grandchildren Rick (Dawn) Keating, Kenda (Doug) Power, Kari (Malcolm) Reid, Jeff (Teresa) Thackeray, Karla (Andre) Foisy, Kelly (Adam) Fowler, and Allison (Mike) Wurzer; her great-grandchildren Erin (Mellissa), Erica (Bri), Nathan, Sam, Sean, Liam, Roan, Sydney (Thomas), Scott, Taylor, MacKena, Christian, Burke, Declan, Lauren, Nolan, Madden, and Reese; her great-great-grandchildren Tegan and Finley; her sister Bertha Kenny; her sister-in-law Mary Hartl; as well as her nephews and nieces.

Elsie was predeceased by her husband Richard Charles Smith; parents Philip and Maria Hartl; her brothers Albert, and Rudy (Bea); sister Edna (Jim) Hornett and her brother-in-law Al Kenny.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 25 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church in Bonnyville, AB with Father Rene Realuyo officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Bonnyville, AB

Donations in memory of Elsie may be made to Operation Smile 375 University Avenue, Suite 204, Toronto, ON M5G 2J5.