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March 26, 1933 - November 23, 2018
With sadness we announce the passing of Fern Doreen Smith, our mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, aunt, cousin, niece and friend.

Fern was born in Galahad Alberta, daughter to Sophia and Andrew Turigan. She and her family moved to Summerland when she was a teenager. She met her husband L.E. Jim Smith at a high school band party at Powell Beach where she jumped into the back of his pick-up truck and started playing the accordion. Jim arrived at her parents home the next Sunday for lessons.

She is survived by her Children Marjorie (Don) Gammond of Fort Fraser, BC, Jenny (Terry) Harker of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Anna (Keith) Smith of Penticton, BC, Will (Juanita)Smith of Maron Valley, BC, Caroline (Tim) Cottrill of Keremeos, BC and Kathaleen (Richard) Gibbs of Cawston, BC, her Brothers Donald (Claire) Turigan of Westbank, BC, Elmer Turigan of Stettler, AB, 25 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, and a few on the way, as well as numerous step grandchildren and foster grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband L E Jim Smith, her son Cameron Smith and her sister Melva Turigan.

Fern was beyond a hard working women into her 80's. She held down a variety of jobs outside the home as well as helped to run the family orchard and raise a couple of generations of children.

She was always there for the underdog, and was the first to wholehearted help out family or friend in any crisis big or small. Like her husband she left pretty big boots to fill.

She was a longtime member of the Eagles Lodge, the Rebekah Lodge, she was past president of the local Girl Guides Association and played piano for Summerland Kitchen Band.

The family would like to thank, the staff at Orchard Haven and the Penticton Regional Hospital, as well as the Elim Tabernacle in Keremeos for the respite food they provided to the family in Fern's last few days.

A celebration of life will be held at the Surf Lodge on Gabriola Island on March 9, 2019. All family and friends are welcome. 



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