GLADYS VIOLA SMITH (GILLIES)

Sadly, the family of Gladys Smith announces her sudden passing at her residence on Friday, Dec. 25, 2015.
She was born Sept. 22, 1928 in Fort Frances, Ont.; the youngest child of Gladys and Jack Gillies.
Gladys lived in Fort Frances, Rainy River, and Melville, Sask. but her heart was on the home farm in Kingsford Township. Gladys had a deep bond with her dad, whom she loved to spend time with on farm.
One of her passions was plowing and she rode with her dad for hours. Nanny always chose to do the farm chores over the house chores that her mom enjoyed.
She loved to talk about her long school walks when it was minus-40 over to Mather 8 and Kingsford School. Her brother, Harley, and Les Hoskins would walk ahead and cut the trail but she always talked about their big steps.
Her school career ended in Grade 8.
Nanny married Bill Smith Jr. on Oct. 22, 1948 and she relocated still in Kingsford Township. She continued to be the farm boss while Bill was most passionate about trucking and logging.
She liked to tell us that the only time he liked the cattle was when the cheque came in the fall.
Family was important, and regular visits with both sides of the family were frequent. Many of the nieces and nephews enjoyed extended visits during summer months.
Gladys and Bill had three children, Louise, Keith, and Carol. They enjoyed life on the farm and talk about Sunday drives, and even heading to the lake for a relaxing day.
Nanny was a hard worker and her main rules were: make your bed, do your dishes, and sweep the floor.
There wasn’t an animal that she didn’t love. The farm, her cows, and her dogs and cats were her world. Nanny loved attending all 4-H events, Hereford functions, and cattle sales. She also loved when purebred sales were still a thing and proudly purchased a few heifers.
The Emo Fair was a huge highlight and still talked about the one she missed when she battled meningitis in 2007.
Nanny enjoyed reading and watching TV. Things would shut down for “The Edge of Night” and “The Tommy Hunter Show.”
Despite her loss of hearing and poor eye sight, she continued to be as social as she could and was enjoying attending the Legion “Country Jam” sessions.
Sadly, Bill died young on March 25, 1971 but Nanny continued on the farm. Thankfully, her brothers-in-law were close and helped her carry on her true passion. She had cattle up until 2007.
Gladys was predeceased by her parents, Gladys (1963) and Jack (1986); sister, Ardell Brigham (2005); brother-in-law, Marvin Brigham (1991); sister, Shirley Nedland (2011); brother-in-law, Gordon (1983); brother, Harley Gillies (2010); nieces, Marvelle Cone (2010) and Teddy Ann Brigham (2005); nephews, Orval Armstrong (2012); in-laws, Edna Smith (1968) and W.A. Smith (1963); sister-in-law, Ruby Smith (1980); sister-in-law Jean Cates (2005) and George Cates (2003); brother-in-law, Chas Smith (1996); sister-in-law, Edna Armstong (1984) and Vernon Armstrong (1971); and brother-in-law, Robert Smith (2004).
Nanny is survived by her sister-in-law Mabel Gillies of Courtenay, B.C.; her children, Louise (Tony) Bliss, Keith (Sadie) Smith, and Carol (Bob) Angus; eight grandchildren, Kim Jo Bliss (Clayton and Damien Stang), Shane (Char) Bliss, Jason (Andrea) Smith, Tanya Smith, Kyla (Dale) Hartlin, Krista (Neil) Olson, Darren Angus, and Stacey (Dave) Angus-Pelletier; and 14 great-grandchildren, Madison and Marlee Bliss, Deidrick, Maverick, Giselle, Kingston, and Hayden Smith, Dawson, Preston, and Mackenzie Azevedo, Melaina Olson, and Callen, Charlie, and Easton Pelletier; as well as many numerous nieces and nephews–Brighams, Nedlands, Cates, and Armstrongs.
We will miss her but are pleased she lived at home as she wished her entire 87 years.
A service of celebration and remembrance will be held Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont., with Rev. Peggy Mason officiating.
Interment will take place in the Emo Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Rainy River Regional Abattoir, Riverside Foundation for Health Care, or charity of your choice c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com