Obituary of Kathleen "Kay" Jean Smith

Kay Smith Nov. 11, 1936 – Nov. 20, 2019 Kay Smith Nov. 11, 1936 – Nov. 20, 2019 83 beautiful years. Kay was born Nov 11, 1936 in Stewart Valley, Saskatchewan. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 20, 2019 after a courageous battle with stage 4 colon cancer. Kay was predeceased by her husband Don Smith , her son Herbert Smith (in infancy), her parents Herbert and Hilda Manthey and her brother Herman Manthey. She is forever missed by her children Pauline (Ron) Hyde of Saskatoon, SK, Brent Smith of North Battleford, SK, Karen (Dale) Schmidt of Saskatoon, SK. Her Grandchildren Vicky Hyde (Cory Roy) of Saskatoon, SK, Trevor Hyde of Saskatoon, SK Krystina Schmidt of Saskatoon, SK. She also leaves number of other family members and friends to cherish her beautiful life. Kay’s Moto was live one day at a time. Kay and Don were married on Sept 1, 1962 in Swift Current. They moved to Chitek Lake in 1965. She did the books for the Chitek Lake General store for a 50 year span. Kay was known around Chitek for her immense community involvement and her kind soul. Most days she was either at the Seniors centre working on her quilting, in her garden, fishing, or picking berries. Yoga was passionate to her, and even while she was sick she still started her day with yoga in her bed. Some of her other joys were watching Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy, doing sudoku and puzzles, watching curling and the 6:00 news, keeping track of the deer outside her kitchen window, scratch tickets (which she referred to as scratchers), and making all kinds of goodies, donuts, and homemade bread and buns. She kept herself busy visiting seniors at Evergreen, running errands in Spiritwood and Leoville. One of her errands was picking up the Spiritwood Herald in Leoville for the citizens of Chitek. Kay was recognized on numerous occasions for her volunteer efforts. In 1992 & 1993 she was a Volunteer Recognition Award recipient with her work as part of the Chitek Lake Recreation Club. She contributed to raise funding for expansion of the Chitek hall and the Seniors Activity Centre. She was a key person in the beach development by the Chitek campgrounds, including playground equipment, new bathrooms, fish filleting shed, and landscaping. Kay was also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the PA Parkland Health region in 2017 for 5 years of volunteer services. The one article truly states, “when she steps down from her present position, it will take up to three people to replace her”. There is no one like Kay and, no one will ever be able to fill the space she had in our lives. Kay had an overwhelming heart, that had the capacity to love every person she came across. It seemed as though as soon as she met you, she wanted to express compassion for you or to you. Kay was a woman who was always positive and in the best of spirits. She never seemed to be having a bad day or took to complaining. Even with the arthritis in her hands, she never let it discourage her or tell others of the discomfort she may have felt from it. Her strong will, pushed her to not let it get in the way of things she enjoyed doing like, quilting, puzzling, ice fishing, making fabric hangers. We are grateful for the traits Kay has passed on to her children and grandchildren, the moments of compassion we all as a group can recall with her, and the fact that our lives will continue to be inspired by her character. It is all these things about her that we ask you to remember as we celebrate the life of Kay. We all know that she is looking down on us right now with a big smile, because as much as she meant to us, we know that we meant even more to her. So, whether you are a friend or a family member, Kay loved you all. She would not want us to mourn too long, but to remember the laughs and memories you have shared. So today have a cup of red rose tea and share your memories with Kay with one another. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday November 26, 2019 at 1:00 pm from the Chitek Lake Community Hall, Chitek Lake Lake, SK with Delores Beaulac officiating. Kay’s granddaughter’s Vicky Hyde and Krystina Schmidt shared memories of their grandma, Vicky Hyde, Cory Roy, Trevor Hyde and Krystina Scmidt served as Urn Bearers. The Sunshine Group were considered Honorary Pallbearers. Interment took place in the Peaceful Pines Cemetery, Chitek Lake, SK. Immediately following the services, all were invited to a time for lunch and fellowship in the Chitek Lake Community Hall. Memorial Donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance in memory of Kay Schmidt as tokens of remembrance. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Spiritwood (306-883-3500).