Alicia Carol Smith passed away with her family by her
side on April 1, 2012 following a lengthy illness. The eldest of six children, Alicia was born
in Manchester, England. Life was a
struggle from the start for Alicia due to a difficult entry into the world and
resulting Cerebral Palsy. Alicia was
never expected to survive, but her first-time parents Wally and Florence
refused to accept this diagnosis. They
persevered, eventually teaching Alicia to eat, talk, and walk. Ultimately, Alicia would inspire all who took
the time to get to know her for her beautiful spirit and strength. In 1974,
Alicia’s family immigrated to Canada, settling in Red Deer briefly before
moving to Pincher Creek in Southern Alberta.
There, Alicia enjoyed numerous family outings and camping trips
throughout the Crowsnest Pass and Waterton Lakes. The family returned to Central Alberta,
Markerville in 1980, Bowden in 1983, and eventually coming full circle in 2010
to live just blocks from the 1st home Dad rented in Westpark, Red Deer. Alicia will be deeply
missed by her Mum and dedicated life-time companion, Florence; her sisters,
Geraldine (and Bob) Thresher, and Lisa (and Tom) Gwin all of Red Deer, Lorraine
(and Perry) Kinder of Alameda, Saskatchewan; her brothers, John (and Dena)
Smith , and Walter (and Bev) Smith all of Innisfail as well as her Aunts, Jean
Roberts and Lynn Tompson of Red Deer, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews,
and other relatives and friends in Canada, England, Wales, and Australia. Alicia was predeceased by her loving father,
Walter (Wally) Smith, in 1998. The family deeply appreciates Alicia`s nurse and
special friend of the past 4 years, Ferne Howe, Dr. Odendaal, Dr. Samson, and
all who cared for Alicia in Emergency, and units 23, 31, and 33 at Red Deer
Regional Hospital. The family would also
like to thank Father Gary Sinclair of St. Leonard`s on the Hill for the comfort
of his final blessing of Alicia. A Funeral Service
will be held at St. Leonards on the Hill, 4241-44 St.,
Red Deer, AB on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations in memory of Alicia may be made to Red Deer Food Bank Society, 12 –
7429 – 49 Ave. Red Deer, AB T4P 1N2, specific for baby food and Formula as
babies were the love of her life.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family.
