Mrs. Phyllis Anne Smith, KC
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Phyllis's obituary
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, mother, and grandmother, Phyllis A. Smith KC. Phyllis passed away at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones.
Phyllis's journey began in the small town of Ponoka, Alberta, where she learned the values of hard work and perseverance from her parents, Fred and Anne Lowther. alongside her devoted sister, Kathryn. Despite their modest means, they instilled in her a love for learning and a determination to succeed.
From these humble beginnings, Phyllis embarked on a journey of accomplishment and service. She excelled academically at Trinity College in Toronto, where she became involved in civil rights activism and met her late husband, Patrick Smith. She graduated from the Faculty of Law with an LLB in 1974 and was called to the bar in 1975.
As a lawyer, Phyllis was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and setting precedents for women in the legal profession. Her tenure at Emery Jamieson LLP, where she was the first woman associate and partner, was a testament to her skill and leadership. She also made history as the first woman president of the Law Society of Alberta in 1991 after serving as a bencher for the society.
Throughout her career, Phyllis was recognized as a leading practitioner in arbitration and professional liability by organizations such as the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and Best Lawyers. She received numerous awards and accolades, including the Law Society of Alberta Distinguished Service Award, the Edmonton Bar Association Distinguished Service Award and a Women in Leadership Law award.
But beyond her professional accomplishments, Phyllis's greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother to Morgan, Meredith, and Michael, and a cherished grandmother to Madden and Kylo. Her love and support knew no bounds, and she took immense pride in their achievements and happiness.
Phyllis's legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the values she instilled in others. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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