Eugenia (Gran) passed away peacefully on Saturday May 25th, 2019. She will be remembered for her exceptional style, tenacious spirit and infectious love of all life had to offer. She loved telling stories and would go out of her way to share her life's journey or to listen to those of others. She is re-united with her true love and dancing partner, Earl.
Eugenia was born in the "3 elevator town" of Birsey, Saskatchewan. She was the eldest daughter of six children, born to Sarah Pride and Gordon Ackland Smith. She was later joined by twin sisters, Lola and Lois and 3 brothers Gordon, Glen and Douglas. The family moved to Olds, Alberta after Eugenia graduated high school where she then enrolled in the Calgary Normal School and received her teaching certificate. She followed her passion to become a high school teacher and while teaching in Olds, she met the love of her life, Earl Taggart, on VE day. They were married and had their daughter Sharon while in Olds and eventually moved to Edmonton. Not pleased that the male teachers on her staff were getting paid more than the female teachers because they had university degrees, she embarked on getting her teaching and counselling degree from the University of Alberta. They stayed in Edmonton where she taught Math, Science, Home Economics and home schooling until retiring to Nanoose Bay in 1978. Eugenia was an active member of Knox United Church and especially loved to sing in the choir. She eventually took over a group called "The Happy Wanderers" where she would organize group trips. She and Earl were a dynamic team that led groups to Portugal, Britain, China, Alaska, Panama and many small excursions all over the Island and West Coast. In her last 10 years, Eugenia made Highgate Senior Village her home, where she continued to make new friendships, participated in daily excursions and many luncheons. She loved being a Gran and loved her grandchildren, Matthew Earl Woods (Linette Woods) and Amy Eugenia Hohn (Mike Hohn) as well as her great grandchildren, Braydon, Tyler, Kurtis and Hailey and is fondly remembered by them for her eye for art and fashion, her creative and delicious meals, her competitiveness when playing cards and her insistence on sharing yummy desserts. Many thanks to Foster Freed and his family whom she cherished his guidance and friendship. In addition, many thanks to the staff at Highgate (Lisa, Shannon and Danica) and Nanaimo Seniors Village (Karen and Christy) for their care, help and tremendous support for both Eugenia and the family during the time she spent there.
"Our family is our richest blessing."
In lieu of cards or flowers please send donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date to be held in the fall.
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