It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our kind, loving, thoughtful and beautiful mother, Christine Smith. Surrounded by her loving family, she passed away peacefully at Kelowna General Hospital on Thursday, June 27, 2024, one week after her 90th birthday.
Christine was predeceased by her son Ryan Dwight Exner, her parents, William and Jenny Matechuk, brothers Johnny, Samuel, and Norman Matechuk, husband Robert M Smith, brother in law Kenneth Suppes, the love of her life, Robert Poupart, son in law Daryl Enockson as well as her eldest son Bradley Joseph Exner.
She is survived by her daughters Cheryl Ellis, Cyndy (Daryl) Enockson, Susin (Stan) Souter. As well as her grandchildren, Brendan , Graham, Jenny (Rob) Mercer, Ryan Enockson, and Grayson Souter. She also left behind 8 great-grandchildren, her sister Georgina Suppes, beloved sisters in law, many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed by the man she loved like he was her own son, Peter Poupart.
Christine was born June 20th, 1934, in the Stornaway district in Saskatchewan, she was the eldest of 5 children.
Our mom was an incredibly strong woman who miraculously survived polio in her teen years. Christine was a liberated woman who somehow managed to work full time ( when most women stayed at home) while parenting 5 children, mostly on her own. Her work ethic, tenacious personality, and strong will were like no other.
She held many jobs in her 90 years. She started her working life in 1953 at the Bank of Montreal in Regina, and in 1956, she transferred to Calgary. Later, she worked in management for numerous oil companies in Calgary. In 1972, our family moved to Kelowna, where she held a position at Dycks Drugs as their bookkeeper for many years. Later on, she enjoyed working at The Bay in the tailoring department for quite a few years. Around this time, she started selling Coppercraft. She was a dynamic saleswoman who was very successful. She was promoted to management and traveled all over Canada for the next few years. She won many awards, including a trips to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Once Coppercraft folded, she went completely out of her wheelhouse and began working as an assistant for her son in law Dr. Shane Ellis at The Ellis Animal Hospital. She loved working with animals and always enjoyed learning. This was one of her most favorite jobs, and where she worked until retirement.
After retiring, she spent her time gardening, baking, reading, and traveling. She and her husband Bob had a serene little spot at Beaver Lake, where she spent her time relaxing, fishing, and enjoying friends, family, and nature.
She was a self-starter, an avid gardener, excellent seamstress, reader, saleswoman, wonderful cook and baker, and a lover of nature and animals of all kinds.
Christine enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. She was a very confident woman who was never afraid to try new things. She had many cherished friendships throughout her life and was always available when anyone needed her support.
She had the most beautiful smile and insisted on always looking well put together for every occasion. Our mom would dress her best even if she was only grocery shopping.
Christine had a great sense of humor and was a real firecracker. She was never afraid to speak up or to convey her thoughts and feelings.
Our mom lived life on her own terms.
She came from a strong Ukrainian family and was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage. She passed down her strong work ethic and strength to her children and grandchildren.
Our mom was infamous for her delicious pies, salmon perogies, her party hosting skills, and her ability to speak comfortably in front of large crowds.
She will be greatly missed by so many. We will regret that we can no longer bask in her brilliant smile.
At Christine's request, there will be no funeral, but instead a small service with close family.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299
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