Obituary of Gerda Grete Smith

Our precious mother, Gerda, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the age of 93 years. 

Gerda is survived by sons, Ron, Dan (Bonnie), and Alan; daughter, Nancy (Gary); grandchildren, Dustin, Naomi (Allan), James (Marcie), Tyler, Matthew, Daney (Larry), and Sara; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Dylan, Leah, Reegan, Mieka, Lawson, Alexis, and Owen; sister Traute and nephew Rainer; as well as many nieces and nephews in Germany and Canada. She was predeceased by her husband Ed; children, Clarence and Diana; granddaughter, Crystal; parents, Fredrik and Elise Bardt; father and mother-in-law, Paul and Anna Smith; in addition to many other family members.

Gerda grew up in Rositten, East Prussia, Germany during the Second World War. She survived several years in an Internment Camp during and after the war. The conditions of forced labour and being a refugee were extremely difficult. Gerda lived through a tumultuous time during such a horrific war for so many and persevered in spite of the impacts these events had on her life. 

In 1950, Gerda immigrated to Canada and settled in Verwood, SK where she worked on Paul and Anna Smith's farm. She married Edward Smith in 1951 and farmed in the Verwood area until 1972, when they moved to Regina. Gerda and Ed raised six children. In 1961, due to a tragic car accident, Gerda and Ed buried their eldest son and daughter, Clarence and Diana.

Gerda and Ed raised their children with love and devotion. She loved knitting and cooking. She endured many life events that were a struggle, but Gerda’s faith prevailed, and it made her a stronger survivor. She was a ferociously protective mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a loyal friend.

Gerda was an avid reader and, later in life, she listened to audio books. She was a dedicated Saskatchewan Roughrider and Chicago Blackhawks fan. Gerda was a youthful and fun-loving soul.

Gerda made many friends through church, and she so loved the friends she made. Gerda was involved in the Regina Celebration Church until she was not physically able to do so. She had many friends visit her and study the bible. Gerda believed in the power of prayer. She prayed for family and friends who were having health issues or personal problems.

As Gerda’s sight and mobility declined, she enjoyed many phone conversations with friends and family. She regularly spoke with her siblings and family in Germany and Canada.

The family would like to thank Pastor Cory Illingworth for being a great friend and confidante to Gerda. Also, thanks to the staff at Parkside South Wing and the staff at Pasqua Hospital 2C for providing her with wonderful care.

Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023 at Celebration Church, 3130 Renfrew Crescent, Regina, SK. Family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) may be made in Gerda’s name.