Irene Alice Miller-Smith

Irene Alice Miller-Smith, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, was born May 5, 1935 in Fox, AB, Canada to Henry and Irene Miller on the family farm in the Cypress Hills. She attended school in a one room building 4 ½ miles away from the farm. At 13, she moved to Medicine Hat, AB, where she attended high school with her best friend Shirley Essington. In 1956 she graduated from the nursing school at Medicine Hat General Hospital as an RN, whereupon she began her nursing career. Starting at Lethbridge Municipal Hospital, AB, she moved to various hospitals throughout Alberta, eventually landing in Vancouver, BC. From there she successfully interviewed by telephone for a position advertised in the San Diego Tribune, and in 1964 Irene moved her two sons and infant daughter Sheila to San Diego. In 1967, Irene endured the death of Sheila, who was only 2 years old. After 10 years she settled into Grossmont Hospital where she worked in the geriatrics and post-surgery wards. Her greatest joy was providing her patients with personal care, embodying the love of Christ. She mentored countless nurses and nurse aides throughout her career.

Irene moved to Alexandria, Virginia in June, 2011, into the care of her son and daughter-in-law to convalesce from a spinal fusion surgery, and due to the worsening and debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease. Irene went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sept. 25, 2014 after suffering a bleed in her brain and falling into a coma. She died peacefully—surrounded by her family’s love, and pain-free for the first time in years.

Irene was pre-deceased by her parents; her brothers Norm and Bill; her best friend Shirley Essington (née Schlenker); and her husband’s Rowan Ashton, Duane Emard, Frank Miller, and Edward Smith. She is survived by her sons Duane and Len; her five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; her sisters Sophie, Darlene, and Anne; her brother Al; and, many nephews and nieces. A Memorial Service will be held at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 1:00PM. Please view and sign the family guest book at www.demainefuneralhomes.com. In In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following: San Diego Office Parkinson Disease Association, 8555 Aero Dr., Suite 308, San Diego, CA 92123-1745; WGTS 91.9, 1380 Monroe St. NW #300 Washington, DC 20010; and, San Diego Teen Challenge, P.O. Box 15637, San Diego, CA 92175.