SMINK, Yvonne
April 27, 1951 – May 24, 2019
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Yvonne Smink announce her passing on May 24, 2019. She died peacefully in Dulcina Hospice in Calgary, surrounded by her loving family. Yvonne is predeceased by her parents Victor Carter and Nora Carter (nee Clark). She is survived by husband Willem, son Laurence (Lesley Cooke), daughter Erica Lang (Jason) and grandson Jacob, and sisters Gillian Parker and Bernice Sargent.
Yvonne was born in Bristol, England on April 27, 1951. She emigrated to Canada in 1970, working as a lab technician at the University of Calgary Medical School. It was there she met Willem, her husband of nearly 43 years.
Yvonne devoted much of her time to the Anglican church. She also spent many years as a volunteer, where she made a significant impact. First, with the Nose Hill Park Communities Board where she was influential in preserving the natural park space we know today. Later she volunteered at the Calgary Zoo as a docent. There she found great fulfillment through her work and made lasting friendships.
Her volunteerism continued throughout the years she lived in Jakarta, Indonesia and St John’s, NL. In her spare time, she rescued animals, finding them homes or taking them in herself. On retiring to Bragg Creek, Yvonne volunteered with the Cochrane & Area Humane Society, helping rescue unwanted animals. She was also an avid gardener and crafter.
Yvonne’s life was defined by a deep faith and love for God, her devotion to the care of her family, her love of animals and nature, all of which were bound by a generous, giving spirit that allowed her to devote her time and energy to those things.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 10:30 am at St. James Anglican Church (6351 Ranchview Dr NW, Calgary, AB). Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cochrane & Area Humane Society www.cochranehumane.ca or to Ovarian Cancer Canada www.ovariancanada.org.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.cochranecountryfuneralhome.com.
Ph: 403-932-1039.
