1922 – 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Katherine Harriet (Munro) (Anderson) Smith on December 30, 2024, at the Innisfail Hospital at the age of 102 years. She died surrounded by numerous children and grandchildren who loved her dearly.
She was born to Hubert and Martha Munro in Innisfail on February 8, 1922. She grew up on the family farm in the Big Bend District with her parents, her paternal grandma, and her three younger brothers. She rode a small workhorse two and half miles to school from grade one to nine. After that, Katherine lived in Innisfail during the week to attend High School, and returned to the farm on weekends. She then moved to Calgary where she completed her secretarial course through Henderson Business College and Mount Royal College. In 1943, she started work as a civilian at No. 2 Wireless School, Flying Squadron, Shepard, AB.
On March 11, 1944, Katherine married Oliver Anderson. They welcomed their daughters, Joyce in February of 1945, Olive in October of 1946, and Janet in November of 1947. Sadly, Oliver died on January 22, 1949, leaving Katherine with the three daughters, aged 3, 2, and 1. Her brother Dave came to live with her and do the farming. He was her rock during this difficult time. Three years later, she married Ernest Smith, a good friend of her first husband. Together they had one son, Denis. Katherine farmed with Ernie until his passing in 1977. Following that, she continued farming with her son, Denis. In 1998, she sold the farm to her grandson. She continued to live on the farm until she turned 80, when she moved into the full basement suite of her daughter and son-in-law. It was only a few miles from her farm. There she lived happily and independently until she was admitted to the hospital three days before her death.
Katherine is survived by her brothers Dave (Dorothy) Munro, and Lloyd Munro; her daughters Joyce (Bob), and Janet; son Denis (Carol); son-in-law Jim Chatenay; grandchildren Richard (Denise), Sandra (Kris), Kathie (Martin), Jason (Angie), Jennifer (Todd), Michael (Sharon), Chantal (Don), Ivan (Krystin), and Jaime (Darrell); great grandchildren Krystal, Kimberley, Talon and Kyron, Ethan, Katherine, Keaton, Krystin, Jaden, Ryan, Devin, Allison, Hannah, Paige, Cole, Jesse, Hailey, Austin, Hunter, Deklen, Dylan, Winter, Ezra, and Kyson; and by her great great grandchildren Alaina and Oliver.
She was predeceased by her husband’s Oliver Anderson, and Ernie Smith; brother John Munro; brothers and sisters in law Blanche and Dagmar Munro, Vair, Flora, Andrew, Alexa, Archie and Toots Anderson, Anne and Bill Currie; daughter Olive; son-in-law Irv Steinke; grandson Mark Chatenay; and by her granddaughter Tammy McFadden.
A celebration of life for Katherine will be held at the Innisfail United Church, 4720-48 Ave. Innisfail, AB T4G 1N6, on May 10, 2025, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Change for Children Association, 10808-124St Edmonton, Ab, T4M 0H3, (https://changeforchildren.org/katherinesmith/), or to the Innisfail United Church Memorial Fund, 4720-48 Ave. Innisfail, AB T4G 1N6. Condolences to Katherine’s family may be emailed to [email protected]. Please indicate “Katherine Smith” in the subject line. Arrangements in care of Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta. 587-876-4944.
