Gladys Viola Smith (Gillies)

Sadly the family of Gladys Smith announces her sudden passing at her Residence on Friday December 25, 2015. Born September 22, 1928 in Fort Frances, ON; youngest child of Gladys & Jack Gillies.

Gladys lived in Fort Frances, Rainy River and Melville Saskatchewan 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 ploughing 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 -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 October 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 3 children Louise, Keith & 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, her dogs and cats were here world. Nanny loved attending all 4-H events, Hereford functions, and cattle sales. She loved when purebred sales were still a thing and proudly purchased a few heifers. Emo Fair was a huge highlight and still talked about the one she missed when she battle meningitis in 2007. Nanny enjoyed reading and watching T.V. 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 Jam Sessions. Sadly Bill died young on March 25, 1971 but Nanny continued on the farm. Thankfully her brother in laws 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). Her 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), Teddy Ann Brigham (2005), nephews Orval Armstrong (2012), in-laws Edna Smith (1968), W.A. Smith (1963), sister in law Ruby Smith (1980), sister in law Jean Cates (2005) & George Cates (2003), brother in law Chas Smith (1996), sister in law Edna Armstong (1984) & Vernon Armstrong (1971) and brother in law Robert Smith (2004).

Nanny is survived by her sister in law Mabel Gillies of Courtenay BC, her children Louise (Tony) Bliss, Keith (Sadie) Smith & Carol (Bob) Angus; her 8 Grand-Children: Kim Jo Bliss (Clayton & Damien Stang), Shane (Char) Bliss, Jason (Andrea) Smith, Tanya Smith, Kyla (Dale) Hartlin, Krista (Neil) Olson, Darren Angus & Stacey (Dave) Angus-Pelletier; 14 Great Grand-Children: Madison & Marlee Bliss, Deidrick, Maverick, Giselle, Kingston & Hayden Smith, Dawson, Preston & Mackenzie Azevedo, Melaina Olson, Callen, Charlie & Easton Pelletier as well as many numerous nieces and nephews – Brigham’s, Newlands, Cates & Armstrong’s.

We will miss her but are pleased she lived at home as she wished her entire 87 years.

Pallbearers - will be her 3 grandsons - Shane Bliss, Jason Smith & Darren Angus and 3 nephews - Allan Cates, Gerald Armstrong & Doug Brigham.

Honorary Pallbearers - will be all those that she shared a coffee & visit over her many years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rainy River Regional Abattoir, Riverside Foundation or charity of your choice, c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.0. Box 89, Emo, Ontario, P0W 1E0.

Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com