Margaret "Alison" Smith

January 21, 2014

Margaret Alison Smith (Rennie) who passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2013 was born July 26, 1921 in Prestwick Scotland at 22 Grangemuir Rd to parents James and Gertrude. As a baby, Alison moved to Calcutta, India where she grew up. Mum had a scholarship to Nottingham University but decided that it was her duty to volunteer on the first day of World War ll. She became an anti-aircraft gunner before spending the rest of the war years as an ambulance driver with the British Army attached to the Red Cross. Mum saw action on the front line in the European campaign. One of her proudest moments was when she and her co-driver had to dive to recover the bodies of senior German officers. During World War ll her only sibling, Robert Rennie, a Spitfire pilot with RAF Fighter Command in Burma passed away. Alison met her husband, Graham Smith, a RAF Bomber Command Mosquito pilot at a party in Brussels in 1945 and they married the following year. She lost both her beloved Graham on July 17, 2009 and her much treasured and devoted Golden Retreiver, Spenser on September 14, 2011. Alison is survived by her children; Penny, Digby, Roger and Nigel; her nephews, Richard of Lincoln and John of Dundee; her grandchildren, Devin, Bryson and Rodney and her great grandchildren, Tanner and Connor. She is also survived by her cherished pets; Jasper a Golden Retriever and cats, Calum and Fiona. Mum was a proud member of the Canadian Legion, Branch 264 and spent many happy moments at the Legion. She also loved to travel to Rosebud Dinner Theatre, Waterton, Canmore and Chain Lakes. This past summer, Mum also went to Glenmore Park, Heritage Park and the Zoo. She instilled her strong love of nature and birdwatching in her children. The secret passion of Mum was knitting. Alison took immense pride in being a coauthor of the book “Flowers of Hope”. The family would like to thank her companions, Georgia Lewis and Leslee Mills-LeBlanc for their devotion to mother. Special thanks should also go to Jeannie of Carewell, and Mum’s homecare workers, Jessica, Sheila, Suri and Indria. Alison was a wonderful wife and mother. A Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Anglican), 408 – 38 Street SW, Calgary, AB with the Reverend Kersi Bird presiding. If friends desire, donations may be made to the Church.

Messages of Condolence

I wish to extend my condolences to the Smith family on the loss of your mother and grandmother, Margaret Allison Smith. Sincerely, Natalie Pashkowich

- Natalie Pashkowich

Humanity never dies, we just pass on the torch to those coming behind us. Margaret Alison Smith (Rennie) passes on the torch of love and fearlessness to you her family, to all those whose lives she touched, and to all those yet to come. Please accept my sincere condolence.

- Georgie Lewis

I read your mothers obituary in the Herald today and I know it may be too early, but I would really like to talk to you about her. I run a theatre company in Mossleigh, south of Calgary. It is a dinner theatre, like Rosebud. Every year I write a Remembrance Day show honouring people who served. Two years ago, it was about my mother, a war bride. Last year it was on the men returning from war. This year, I want to honour the women. And when I saw your mothers obituary, I knew I wanted to include her story in my play. When you are ready, I would like to talk to you about this.... but only if and when you are ready. I do not want to interfere with your grief, but I would be honoured to include her in my show. Please email me if and when you would like to talk to me. Many thanks,and if you want to check out our company, we are at aspencrossing.com Gail

- Gail Whiteford

To Penny, Digby, Roger, Nigel and all the family our deepest sympathy. Each of us has lost a parent. There are few milestones in our lives that hold such sorrow. Alison was a gracious and kind lady. Treasure your memories and know that the love you shared will never be lost; it will stay close in your hearts forever. Sincerely, Diana & Alan

- Diana Sheprak & Alan Kane

My sincere sympathy to Penny and family for the loss of your Mom and grandmother. May you be comforted by your many memories and knowledge that you were devoted to her care.

- Linda McKay-Panos

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