Obituary of Lorraine Shirley Smith

Lorraine was born in Grande Prairie, on July 2, 1936, to Irene and Joe Anderson, the eldest of five children, Ron, Helen, Gordon and Wayne. Their early years were spent on a farm near LaGlace. After graduating Lorraine began her working career for a car dealership in Grande Prairie, but when her family moved to Dawson Creek, she followed and worked in a bank. Other jobs included accounting firms, a 15 year stint with the Dawson Creek Hospital, and private practice in her home. Her talent for bookkeeping was appreciated by the groups she was involved in. Lorraine married Bill Smith, July 2, 1956 and began their family of four, Diane, Valerie, Allan and Marcene. The Smith family lived in Dawson Creek for some time, but bought land in Doe River in 1981 and began a history of farming. Lorraine was a life member of the Doe River Women's Institute, with over 25 years of commitment to the local branch as well as being on the district board as a member and their treasurer for many years. She enjoyed their rallies and conventions, and appreciated the world wide concerns that Women's Institutes have. The W.I. motto is: For Home and Country - and Lorraine lived every word. Weak as she was sometimes, there was no keeping her home, whether it was to a meeting, visiting, down to the hall for cards or a dance, never missed a family reunion, and oh, yes, she loved going to bingo and casinos. In the midst of the tragic illness that claimed her life, there was no whining, no anger, nothing but a quiet confidence that every day was a plus and adversity is part of it. She was so touched by everyone's outpouring of support for her, forgetting how many times her efforts helped someone else. Lorraine was predeceased by her parents Joe and Irene Anderson, her brother Ron, grandson Clinton, father and mother-in-law Phenie and William Smith, as well as additional in-laws. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill, daughter Diane Beaudoin of Fort Nelson, daughter Valerie Hollingshead ( Bob) of Dawson Creek, son Allan ( Rose) of Dawson Creek, and daughter Marcene Shakeshaft ( Clinton), sister Helen Simmonds of Dawson Creek, brother Gordon Anderson (Karen) of Hudson Hope, brother Wayne Anderson (Audrey) of Princeton, ex daughter in law, Sherry Smith, and an extended family of 8 grandchildren, 5 great - grandchildren, 8 step grandchildren and their families, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and her many, many friends. Lorraine passed away on Friday, January 29, 2010 in Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 73 years. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, February 03, 2010 at the Rolla Bible Baptist Church, Pastor Will Moffat officiated, interment will be at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Lorraine to the Doe River WI.