Smith, Leora Mary (nee Portz) alias “GiGi”
Leora was born in Sheyenne, North Dakota on Sept. 22, 1909 to Herb and Janet Portz. In 1910, Leora, along with her parents and her sister Hazel, took up a homestead in which later became the Vantage District. Leora received her early education at Friendship Hill, SK, Dunny, SK and Vantage, SK. She completed her Grade 11 in Assiniboia, SK, and took her teacher training at the Moose Jaw Normal School from 1928-1929. Her first teaching position was at the Junior Room at Melaval, SK. Leora married Lester Merle Smith on Dec. 18, 1929 and they had a son, Laurie Merle, in 1931. They farmed in the Vantage District for several years. When Lester’s health began to fail, Leora reinstated her teaching certificate and went back to work full-time in 1962. She taught at Ardil, SK from 1962-1966. Leora and Lester moved to Moose Jaw in 1966, so she took a position at Empire School until her retirement in 1975. She taught as a substitute until she was 73 years old. She moved to Assiniboia in 1994 and returned to Moose Jaw in 1999, where she resided until her passing. Leora was always active in the Alliance Church in Assiniboia and Moose Jaw. She was passionate in her support for missionaries. Leora loved teaching elementary school children, teaching Sunday School, traveling, and her family. She was predeceased by her parents Herb and Janet; husband Lester Merle (1976); son Laurie Merle (2004); sisters Hazel (Frank) Reynolds, Evalyn (Earl) Staples; brothers Burr (Ruby) Portz, Maxwell (Thelma) Portz and James Portz. Leora is survived by her grandchildren Mary-Ann Smith, Merle (Helena) Smith, and Evelyn Thorne; great-grandchildren Philip Thorne (Amanda Schutz), Brandi Thorne (Justin Unwin), Cody Smith, and Zachary Smith; her very special friend Marliss; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leora’s name to Friends of the Library, 461 Langdon Crescent, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0X6, would be appreciated. A Memorial Service will be held at Parkview Funeral Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St West, Moose Jaw, on Thursday, February 24th, 2011, at 11:00 am, with Pastor Keith Gonyou officiating.