Smith, Betty Anne (Née Georlitz)

With great sadness we announce the passing of Betty Anne Smith on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 86.

Betty was born in Calgary, Alberta and grew up in the Dewinton area on her family farm. At approximately age 16, she moved in to Calgary with her mother Jean Goerlitz after her father, John Goerlitz passed. Betty worked for Horne & Pitfield Foods in the repack room of the warehouse for her entire working career. She took a small break from 1963 to 1975 when she was raising her family as a stay-at-home mom. She returned to Horne & Pitfield Foods and retired at age 65. Betty was always recognized as a hard worker.

Betty was a wonderful, quiet woman who was very caring and loving. She was the rock of her family standing behind her husband as she always did as well as supporting her girls in all of their ventures. She was also the cement of the family remembering everyone’s birthday and anniversaries in the extended family of brothers, sisters and their children and grandchildren. She would always send cards and notes to everyone around the world. Betty and her husband Jim travelled the world and had the world come to them in the form of exchange students through the Rotary Club of East Calgary where Betty was a Rotary-Ann. These students became their children as well, many of whom they stayed in touch with for years. One special student was Nicola who has remained an active family member.

Betty was ready to do or go anywhere and with Jim spent their lives surrounded by family. They camped every weekend in the summer which included dirt biking and quadding until approximately 72 years of age. They also followed their 4 grandsons throughout their time in minor hockey which also included their grandson Jamal who continues to play professional hockey in Germany.

We will never forget her quiet, calm, strong nature. She was the love of Jim’s life as well as the best role model for her daughters and their families.

Betty is survived by her children, Susan (Ben) Lyle, Norma-Jean (Wayne) Watson; 4 grandchildren, Wayne (Kylee), Chris (Emily), Jamal (Jenna), Dondre (Madison); 2 great-grandchildren Mason and Conner; sister, Doreen (Al); brother, Allen (Ruth); and sister-in-law, Dianne (Derek) Valentine; along with numerous family in Canada, Australia, and England. She was predeceased by her husband, James Smith (2021); mother, Jean Annie Goerlitz (nee Battle); father, John Goerlitz.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Calgary at www.alzheimercalgary.ca/get-involved/donate-now

A Memorial Service will be held at Pierson’s Funeral Service – Forest Lawn Chapel (4121 – 17 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta) on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10:00 am. For those who cannot attend the service in person, please use the following link to join the family by livestream:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88478524441