Margaret Anne Smythe

November 30, 1939 – October 28, 2025

Margaret Anne Smythe (nee Hamilton) passed away peacefully at the Olds Hospital on October 28, 2025, with her family by her side. She was born on November 30, 1939, in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, the second of four children to Harry and Marjorie Hamilton.

Marg is lovingly remembered by her husband and best friend of nearly 56 years, John (Jack). She will be deeply missed by her son, David (Fransisca) Smythe; daughter, Joan (Kelly) Boles; and her 7 grandchildren, Tyler, Paige, and Courtney Smythe; Carter and Morgan, Lauren, and Isaac Boles. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Darlene (Ben) Hoogstraten; and two brothers-in-law, Ross Rumbles and John Mattus; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cherished friends made throughout her life.

She was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Marjorie Hamilton; her siblings, James Hamilton, Janet Rumbles, and Angus Hamilton; sisters in law, Laura Hamilton and Sandra Hamilton; father and mother-in-law, Fred and Opal Smythe; and sister-in-law, Loretta Mattus.

Marg married John Smythe in 1969, and the two built a life of partnership, laughter, adventure, and deep devotion. They both have a strong faith that has carried them throughout their lives. There was rarely a time when one was not by the other’s side. Together, they travelled to Europe, Japan, and across the United States, with Hawaii holding a special place in their hearts. Endless hours spent on the beach, listening to waves, and enjoying the sunshine remain cherished memories.

Marg loved being outdoors and was active her entire life. Summers were spent at Loon Lake, Saskatchewan, and later at Gull Lake, Alberta, where she enjoyed fishing, boating, waterskiing, and evenings around the campfire with dear friends. Winters were full of cross-country and downhill skiing, and snowmobiling. She loved to go for a walk or a bike ride, and she continued to go to the gym, right up until this past summer.

Marg’s greatest joy came from her family. David arrived on October 5, 1974, and the family soon moved to Lloydminster. Joan joined the family on May 28, 1975, and Marg embraced motherhood with warmth and devotion. She was a hands on mom who hugged lovingly, cheered loudly, encouraged endlessly, and was always present. When grandchildren came along, she poured the same love and energy into them, reading stories, singing songs, and proudly attending every dance recital, hockey game, school event, and milestone.

Marg’s early years in Weyburn were full of fun and adventure with her siblings and childhood friends. She cherished these memories and told stories of farm life, bike rides, movie outings, and cheering on the Weyburn Red Wings. As a young woman, she worked at the Shupe’s butcher shop, later at the Saskatchewan Hospital, and attended Normal School to become a teacher.

Her true calling, however, was her love of flowers. Marg became a certified floral designer and, in 1967, she and her business partner, Werner Schmitt, opened a flower shop, Prairie Florists, in Weyburn. After moving to Lloydminster, she continued her career in floral design, working for Evergreen Florists & Greenhouse and later Celebrations Flower Shop. She was happiest surrounded by plants and spent countless hours tending her yard, making every space she touched more beautiful.

As a youth, Margaret was baptised, confirmed, and active in the Presbyterian Church. She later became a lifelong member of the United Church, active in both the United Church Women in Lloydminster and Olds. Community was important to Marg. She was a leader in CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training), taught Sunday School, led choirs, and participated in bell choirs, volunteered with Scouts, Girl Guides, music, dance, skiing, and figure skating programs, and always showed up where help was needed. In 1959, she joined Beta Sigma Phi and remained an active member until her passing, 66 years of cherished sisterhood, friendship, and laughter with her “Beta girls.”

Marg lived a life rooted in love, generosity, and joy. She was always content with whatever blessings came her way. Marg lifted others up, made strangers feel welcome, and found beauty in simple moments. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the gardens she nurtured, and in the countless people who felt seen, supported, and cared for by her.

A life well lived, and a love well shared. We were blessed to be loved by her.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta. Phone: 403.507.8610

• Date : 2025-11-05
• Location : (Olds) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com