With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Mary Whiteford Cooper Smith.  Mum passed away peacefully on October 26th 2022 at the Red Deer Hospice.  Mum was predeceased by her parents, John and Annie Wood in Scotland, and her husband Chester Charles Smith in 1984.

Mum is survived by her loving children, Noreen Cooper (Bryan) Campbell River B.C., Marion Carlson, Red Deer AB, Sheila Gueffroy, Red Deer AB, and Lyle Smith (Joyce) Calgary AB.  Mum had 8 Grandchildren, 15 Great grandchildren which she absolutely adored.  Mum was born in Glasgow Scotland, and lived in a small flat on the third floor with her mother, Annie (with no elevator, as she would often comment).  Mum met the love of her life during the Second World War, working in a Cantina. When Dad walked in, I believe it was a classic love at first sight. They married in Glasgow on September 1st 1945.

After the war, Dad came home to Davidson Saskatchewan, Mum to follow on a war bride ship. It would have been very difficult as an only child to leave her mother and head for Canada, at 19 years of age (shows what truly made Mum the woman she was).  Then a train ride across the country ending up in Regina Saskatchewan. She often kibitzed about Dad telling her that Davidson had three elevators, Dad meant grain elevators, Mum thinking people elevators like in the shops in Glasgow. It lead to some good laughs.

They stayed the winter with Grandpa and Grandma Smith on the family farm, outside of Davidson Saskatchewan . Then off to Carrot River, as Dad had a drey business, then to Nipawin Saskatchewan, and finally making Calgary home.  Dad passed in 1984, so mum lived on her own for 38 years.  In the late 90’s mum decided to move to Red Deer (to escape the crazy drivers on Deerfoot Trail…her words) as Sheila and Marion were living there.  She purchased a condo, where she lived on her own right up till 6 weeks ago, when mum sustained a fall.  That put mum in the hospital, and as her health deteriorated, was moved to the Red Deer Hospice.  Mum would have been 97 this year (she was born November 28th, 1925).

Mum was very involved with the Scottish Society in both Red Deer and in Calgary. Mum and Dad both enjoyed years of Scottish country dancing. Mum continued on after Dad passed.

Mum was also a Charter Member of McDougall United Church in Calgary, then to Sunnybrook United in Red Deer. Mum had deep Religious faith.

At mum’s request, there will be no funeral Service, however there will be gatherings of family and friends in both Calgary and Red Deer later in the spring.

Mum will be interred at Eden brook memorial gardens Calgary.

Mum’s request was a donation to the SPCA in any city.  She had a great love of all animals, especially dogs.

Our family wish heartfelt thanks to the kind souls at the Red Deer Hospice for all their warm and thoughtful care of mum.

With much love

Rest in peace, Mum

• Date : 2022-10-26
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home