SMITH, Darlene
1948-2012
Darlene Smith of Red Deer passed away at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton on Monday, June 25, 2012 at the age of 63 years. She is survived by her loving children; Tyler of Edmonton, Heather (Jesse) of Edmonton and Russell (Darla) of Hardisty. She was a proud grandmother of Lane, Ella and Charlie. Darlene is also survived by her sister Alice (Art) Dueck (Dixson) of Lethbridge. She was predeceased by her husband Doug Smith on June 6, 2012, her brother Eldon Dixson, her mother Emma Dixson (Bye) and her father John Russell Dixson. Darlene was raised on a farm near Foremost in southern Alberta, where she married Doug in June of 1970. Darlene was a natural teacher and followed her passion from her younger years of teaching in Calgary in the early 1970’s up to her cherished role as an ESL teacher in both Medicine Hat and Red Deer. Darlene was loved by her students and colleagues alike, many of them becoming a part of her family. Darlene was truly happy when she was surrounded by people and cherished moments of good conversation, good fun and good food. Darlene fought an admirable and lengthy battle with cancer over the last two years, not faltering in the face of many setbacks. She fought for time with her family, her friends, her students and her art work. She fought especially hard for her husband, who passed before her to hold the door for her, always the gentleman. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Cross Cancer Institute to benefit patient care at 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2 or at 780-432-8500. A celebration of Darlene’s life was held at the chapel of Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, June 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Gordon R. Mathers, Funeral Director at Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
