Mary Ellen Willet Smith, beloved wife of Leslie (Cap) Muir Smith, died peacefully at the Lakeside Manor Care Home, Saltcoats, SK on February 13, 2016. She was 93 years of age. Mary was born October 11, 1922, on a farm north of Paynton, SK. She was the oldest daughter and second child of Leon and Sarah Willett. She attended Grand Cheviot School and took grade 9, 10, 11 by correspondence. Mary attended normal school for four months in Saskatoon and then taught in rural schools for seven years, coming to Boakeview School in 1946. The day after she arrived at Boakeview she met a soldier boy, just home from the war and married him (Cap Smith) in 1949. They were blessed with two children, Glen in 1952 and Marilyn in 1956. In 1971, she started working in Harry Riglin's office serving the community needs for motor license issuing, insurance, income tax and administrative services for six rural telephone companies. The business was sold to Dave Farrell and she continued working there until retiring in 1991. A faithful member of the United Church women, the Saltcoats Curling club and the Laketown Leaders, Mary was always serving her community in any capacity needed. She worked hard in her yard and garden especially enjoying her gladiolus. She loved to travel to visit friends and especially her cruise to Alaska, bus trip to the Maritimes and to Minneapolis for Blue Jays games. She also had many local adventures finding her husband and his grader to bring him home at the end of his long work days. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Leon and Sarah Willett; her husband, Cap; her brothers, Donald and George; her sister-in-law, Clara (Donald); her brother-in-law, Lyle (Gweneth) Kendrick and her son-in-law, Marv Mochoruk. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory her son, Glen (Monique) Smith; her daughter, Marilyn Mochoruk (Marv); her grandchildren, Travis, Andrew and David Smith, Rachel (Richard) Cossette, Jason (Meghan) Mochoruk and Allison (Michael) Champion; her great-grandchildren, Issac, Adam, Ezra, Kamryn, Kyle, Oliver, Claire, Henry and Julia as well as her brother, Glen (Marilyn) Willett, sister, Gweneth and many in-laws, nieces, nephews cousins and dear friends. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, February 18, 2016 from Saltcoats United Church in Saltcoats, SK with Walter Farquharson presiding. The Service was preceded by a power point presentation celebrating Mary's life in photos and music. Words of tribute and eulogy were shared by granddaughters, Allison Champion and Rachel Cossette and the reader was Joan Kendrick. The organist, Ruth Datema and members of the Saltcoats United Church Choir and friends led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Abide With Me", "Just As I Am" and "Would You Bless Our Homes and Families". The Choir Selection was "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace". The Cremation Committal followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with grandson, Travis Smith serving as the urn bearer. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
