Obituary of Alexandra Mae Smith

Alexandra Mae Smith (Begley) was born in Toronto, December 3, 1940 and died September 7, 2022 at home in Wheatland County, AB.

Sandy was a strong, independent woman, so full of life with boundless energy. Her family was her greatest joy, and she was always ready to listen, offer advice, and step in to help where needed. She worked hard all her life, put others needs before her own, and always found a reason to laugh, often at herself. She taught us the importance of family, and she left us all with so many memories of a life well lived. As she faced cancer, she kept her positive attitude and always found reasons to joke and be thankful. She accepted each new health challenge with grace and fierce determination until she had to leave us.

Sandy is survived by her daughter Crystal (Tom) Ikert, and son Robert Skerrett. 4 grandchildren, Cameron Edwards, Jennifer Scantlebury, Amanda (Alex) Marasco and Carlee (Jeremy) Ikert, all of Calgary, along with 7 great grandchildren, Marek, Nick, Madison, Lily, Carter, Hannah and Oliver. She is also survived by her younger siblings, Lynda (Wayne) Sopha, Cranbrook, BC, Barb (Pat) Padley, Barrie, On, Bruce (Darlene) Begley, Newmarket, On and Brenda (Dave) Begley, Barrie, On, and numerous nieces/nephews, extended family and friends. Sandy was predeceased by her two older brothers, Don and Gord Begley, and her grandson-in-law Mark Scantlebury. 

Special thanks to everyone who was there for her along her journey. She was so grateful for the care and compassion we were shown from the beginning of her diagnosis in 2017, to her end-of-life care. A heartfelt thank you to Jennifer and the whole Rural East Home Care Palliative team, and Denica from Wheatland Hospice, as without their support and encouragement, she could not have stayed at home. Just too many people to mention, although I hope you all know just how special you are.

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at a later date.