Remembering Rachel Smith (Nee Van De Ryse)
September 21, 1940 - August 21, 2011 Rachel Smith passed away peacefully on August 21, 2011 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. Rachel is survived by her sons Norm (Melonie) of Red Deer, Stephen of Calgary and five sisters: Mary, Sarah, Charlotte, Annie and Philli. Rachel was a very generous and loving person who often thought of others before herself. Rachel started a career in nursing with her schooling in Alberta. Unfortunately her career was cut short with the onset of rheumatoid arthritis in her early thirties, but that didn't stop her from being independent as she lived on her own, confined to a wheelchair, until she moved back to Alberta in 2005. Rachel had a great passion for knitting which she was still able to do even though the arthritis took away all of the cartilage from her fingers. She also loved word puzzles and as much sunshine and fresh air as she could get.
A celebration of Rachel's life will be held at Courtney - Winters Funeral Home (199 2 St. W, Drumheller Alberta) at 1:00 pm, Friday, August 26, 2011.
