Obituary of Cora Joy Smiley

SMILEY, Cora (Shalen) June 10, 1928 – March 9, 2015 Cora, the youngest of four children, was born and raised in Edmonton. After High School, she completed secretarial training at McDougall Commercial where she continued to play basketball and was the class valedictorian. Following college, she worked for an insurance firm and CN Express. In February, 1950, she married Lawrence Smiley and moved to the farm north of Lavoy. Cora’s world revolved around her family, church and community. She was a Charter Member of the Lavoy Women’s Institute, participated in Farm Forum, and was active in the Lavoy Baptist Church. Cora was a well-known soloist in the community and loved to sing in community and church choirs. She enjoyed Sunday drives, RV camping, making meals for her family and always made people feel comfortable in their home. Cora remained on the farm until the fall of 2012, when she moved to the Vegreville Long Term Care Centre. Cora went home to be with her Lord on March 9, 2015. Cora is survived by: Lawrence, her husband of 65 years; daughter Ardythe (Bryan) Butler, Yuri and Alyssa; son Kevin (Mary-Ellen), Candice (Timothy) Fath, and Scott; daughter Darolyn (Norman) Black, Colton, Tanner and Michael; and sister May Pankowich. A Celebration of Cora’s life will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the Vegreville Alliance Church. Donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Vegreville Care Centre - Patient Comfort Society or a charity of choice.