Paula Elizabeth Smith passed away comfortably on the evening of February 19, 2015. Paula lived life with acceptance, style and was loved and respected by many including her sons, Brad (Cindy) and Neil (April), her brother Edward Eisler (Sonia), her sister Agnes Lovsin (Frank), brother Felix Eisler (Doris), granddaughter Ciara and her extended family in Vienna and Burgenland Austria. Paula is predeceased by her parents, Felix and Paula Eisler.
Growing up in Cadomin, AB, Paula’s adult years followed in Edmonton with marriage (to Frank Smith), the raising of two sons, lots of curling, gardening and hats. Paula was also a lifetime reader and supporter of the Edmonton Public Library.
After 50 years of age, Paula adopted the game of golf with a group of fabulously wonderful women–semicolon– laughing and having a glass of wine, they supported each other. Thank you ladies – you made Paula very happy. Her gifting of Christmas wreaths and trees, non-judgemental philosophy and no-nonsense outlook to enjoying life made her easily approachable and earned her the respect of many.
Paula lived with cancer and battled her old friend “Arthur” (arthritis) for the last few years, demonstrating a resolve, an amazing attitude and an incredible gratefulness throughout the journey. Always fashion forward, she exemplified poise, kindness and strength.
Paula the Mom (selfless), sister (loyal) and friend (always) will be greatly missed.
Special thanks to: Staff in the Alberta Health Care system, specifically at CapitalCare Palliative Hospice (Norwood), Dr. Neil Chua & associates (Cross Cancer Institute) and Dr. Debbie Semeniuk (Links Clinic) for their compassion and understanding.
A Celebration Lunch for Family & Friends will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at The Faculty Club-University of Alberta, 11435 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating volunteer time (or funds) to a charity of your choice. To raise awareness for Colorectal illness prevention, please see http://www.screeningforlife.ca
Bryan Murray says
Brad and Neil:
I just want you to know that I think your Mom was a great, great lady. So much poise, so much joy, so much giving. The hat industry has lost an icon. She will be missed. I feel privileged to have known her, privileged to have spent time with her and privileged to count her as my friend. Love, B
Twyla Gibson says
I send my deepest sympathy to Paula’s family at this very sad time. I knew Paula as a golfer at Riverside. She was a fashionable lady…Always pleasant, compassionate and forward thinking with a positive attitude. Throughout her battle with cancer, she remained brave and positive.
We will all miss her and remember her fondly. Now we can no longer enjoy her glorious hats! She always wore them with such aplomb and dignity.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Craig O'Connor says
Paula was a great lady and we enjoyed her living on the same street as us (the wishing well house). We had some good chats about her life, golf game, and her boys and she always looked impeccable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Irene Kenyon says
Sincere sympathy to all in the family. I curled with Paula for many years,but knew Paula the best through our fun ladies golf group.Paula was a unique person and faced life with her own philosophy, bravery and courage. I feel fortunate to of known this fine lady.
Linda Hale says
To Neil & Brad:
It is with sincere sadness that I learn of your Mother’s passing. I knew her as a grand and endearing lady. She had panache, and grace, and style and it was easy to be in her presence. I will miss her keen wit, her no nonsense look at the world, her quiet elegance but most of all, her caring friendship. She was a great lady and I was proud to call her friend. Love to you both.