Peacefully on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 at the Portage General Hospital, Evelyn Smith passed away at the age of 95 years with family by her side.

Evelyn was the beloved wife of the late Eric Sydney Smith and mother of; Valerie, Noel (Leann), Pamela, Shawn (Tami), and Thane (Shelley). She was adored by her grandchildren; Erica, Benjamin, Kyle, Devon, David, Jessica, Quinnton, Bradley, Holden, Kelsey, and Damian. She was a proud great grandmother to; Kayden, Reimi, Logan, Dylan, Skye, Alice, Mayson, Grayson, Eric, Blake, Cormac and Sophia. Evelyn is also survived by one sister, Fay Lavallee of Hudson’s Hope, BC, along with many nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was born on the family farm near Old High Bluff, MB on August 14th, 1930. She married Eric (Syd) Smith on November 10th, 1951. Mom’s first job was as a waitress at Skinner’s Tea Room in Lockport, MB. When she moved back to Portage she worked at Ollie’s Café. After she was married, she enjoyed working at The Portage Mutual and Portage Plains Nursery.

Mom was involved in many organizations/clubs including; Odd Fellows and Rebekahs,The Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary, St. Mary’s ACW, Manitoba Metis Federation and she helped her husband lead the #19 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. Evelyn also volunteered for decades at the Fort la Reine Museum where she loved to welcome visitors into her family home – usually in costume. She was also passionate about collecting pledges for the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s annual fundraising walk, which she participated in annually for the last 14 years.

Mom was an avid gardener, enjoyed reading and knitting, and was a lover of music – especially opera, tenors, and anything she and her love could dance to. Mom was an excellent seamstress, maker of jams, jellies and pickles, and baker of bread, buns, biscuits, dainties and pies. All of her endeavours were happily shared with family and friends and were a welcome addition to many teas and fundraisers. Mom loved to travel, whether it was overseas to visit family or road trips around the continent with family or friends.

Evelyn will be missed by her many friends at the Herman Prior Activity Centre, Oakville Active Living Centre, staff at the MCC and Portage Library, and special friend Barbara Lafreniere.

Mom loved life, being outdoors, hot dog fundraisers, family visits and afternoon cribbage games, and shared beer with her son Thane.

At Evelyn’s request, there will be no formal funeral service. If friends so desire, donations in Evelyn’s name to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch, 209-2211 McPhillips St., Winnipeg, MB R2V 3M5, would be greatly appreciated.

Flynn Memorial Services is honoured to assist the family of Evelyn Smith.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you during this difficult time.