JENNIE SMORANG

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JENNIE (JEANNIE) SMORANG (née BILANSKI) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jennie Smorang, who died peacefully on August 10, 2016. Jennie was born on January 11, 1931 to Felix and Mary Bilanski. She lived her entire life in Winnipeg, attending St. John's High School, graduating with honours in 1949. In 1953 Jennie and Ed were married and bought their first home on Avondale Road in St. Vital. Jennie worked at The Bay's credit department until the birth of her son Garth in 1959. She went back to work in 1967, selling women's fashions first at Eaton's and then in the Mirror Room at The Bay until her retirement in 1983. When Garth married Carolyn in 1982 Jennie became blessed with a fantastic daughter-in-law, and later three grandchildren, Andrea, Jeff, and Brett, who were the delight of her life. Some of Granny's most precious memories involve taking them swimming at Margaret Grant swimming pool, sleepovers, French toast breakfasts, going with them to Folklorama, attending various piano, voice, dance, and musical theatre recitals, and watching them swimming, playing soccer, lacrosse, and hockey. Mom/Granny loved her family so much. Jennie was predeceased by Ed in 2002. She had great memories of their 25 years at Royal Lake, where they made many lifelong friends. Jennie enjoyed laughing and telling jokes to anyone who would listen. She loved to give and receive hugs. She loved baking and cooking, and family dinners around her dining room table. She was passionate about nature and her garden, especially her peonies and her roses. She enjoyed classical music, singing, travelling (trips south to Arizona with Ed, and many wonderful cruises with friends after Ed's passing), playing cards, and reading. However, the world stopped for 30 minutes every day when Coronation Street was on. For seven years she volunteered at the Nearly New Shop. Jennie attended the Morrow Gospel Church for the past several years. Jennie loved people and formed good and lasting relationships with a number of her long time neighbours on Glengarry Drive, where she lived for over 45 years until late last year, including Romanina, Lucia, Rita, Gail and Buffie. Her wonderful and long-time friends, whom she cherished, included Susan, Josette, Elsie, Julie, Ruby, Gail, and Anna. Jennie's best lifelong friend, from kindergarten, was Adele Lytle, who now lives in Calgary. They spoke by phone often and would visit when they could. Jennie benefited greatly from the care and support shown by her friends, neighbours, and visits from members of the church, especially during her recent health struggles. While her physical health failed, her mind was sharp to the end, and Jennie knew every person who visited and spoke to her right up to her passing. In addition to Garth, Carolyn, Andrea, Jeff, and Brett, Jennie is survived by her sister Frances Smith (Bob deceased), her sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Terry Petrishen, and nieces and nephews Sandra, Kevin, Dave, Laura, and Gary. The family expresses great appreciation, on Jennie's behalf, to Dr. Brian Sharkey for over 30 years of kind and compassionate medical care to her, and to the nurses and staff at Victoria General Hospital for providing her with excellent care many times in her life, and in her last months on units 3S (especially to nurses Alla and Paulette) and 2N. Jennie has been cremated and a private family service and interment will take place at a later date at the Libau East Cemetery in Libau, MB, where Jennie will be laid to rest alongside Ed. Mom/Granny was much loved by her family and friends. She will be missed and fondly remembered. Flowers are gratefully declined. If so desired, a donation can be made in Jennie's memory to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation. INTEGRITY Cremation & Funeral Planning 204-295-5408

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2016