Obituary of Lavel Darlene Smelland

Lavel Smelland was born on February 18, 1931, in Tisdale, SK to Joe and Dela Humphrey.  She grew up in the Cherry Ridge area for her pre-school years. At five years old she moved to the west coast and spent several years attending school in Cloverdale, BC. In her teenage years, she found employment in a hatchery, finding her lifelong passion for birds.

Upon finding her true love, Earl Smelland, they were wed on September 5, 1950, on a farm near Surrey, BC. They went on to have three very active, intelligent and handsome boys, Vance (1953), Wayne (1955) and Nels (1957). Raising three boys truly showed how homemaking was her true calling. She had a great talent for baking, cooking, gardening, and sewing.

Moving to Nipawin, SK in 1987 allowed her to pursue many of the hobbies that she had enjoyed throughout her life. Tending her garden, uncovering unusual pieces of driftwood and rocks by the lakes and finding the true elegance in birds were just a few of the activities that she enjoyed throughout the golden years.

She found faith and love through the congregation of the Nipawin Anglican Church. Many of the events and services that she attended always gave her soul so much pleasure.

Within the last years of her joyful life, she found the Tri-City Horticultural Society. The companionship of the members, that also enjoyed nature and gardening, was something that she found great honor in being part of.

She will be finding peace in Heaven by joining her father (Joe), her mother (Dela), husband (Earl), son (Wayne), sister (Hazel) and her daughter-in-law (Debbie).

She will be deeply missed by her sons Vance (Gloria), Nels (Flora) her grandchildren Jake (Julie, Trevelyan, Austin, Jaxon, Jolee), Nicholas (Christina, Thea) and Megan (Chad, Danielle, Emily, Emmitt) as well as her many beloved nieces, nephews, the congregation of the Nipawin Anglican Church and the members of the Tri-City Horticultural Society.