Constance Smoke

Constance May Smoke

After a lengthy illness, on Friday March 30th, 2012, our dear mother Constance May Smoke was reunited with her parents loving arms in heaven.

Connie was born June 20th, 1964 in Brandon, MB to Clifford Blacksmith and Helen Pratt. At the age of 2, Connie was adopted by Ernest and Victoria Smoke and came to live in Dakota Plains.

Connie received her education in Rossendale, MB where she met many of her lifetime friends. As the daughter of a chief and pastor, Connie was introduced early in life to the word of the Gospel. She had the opportunity to travel across North America attending tent meetings and church service and learning the way of the scriptures.

In February, 1983 Connie welcomed her first born daughter, Jolene into the world. Joanna was born April, 1986 and youngest daughter Emilia March, 1990. Over the years Connie and her girls lived in Mallard, MB, Nebraska, USA, Winnipeg and Brandon, MB and finally came back to Dakota Plains and Portage where she spent her final years.

Mom had many interests in life with the most important being her grandchildren. She loved to dance, sing, tell stories and just spend time with all of them.

Another passion of Connie's was her sewing and fashion. She had a wonderful talent to create, design and make everything from star blankets to baby bonnets. Her beautiful star blankets have become famous and adorn the offices and halls of many Aboriginal organizations throughout Manitoba.

Music was also an important pastime for Mom. She loved all types of music from country to pop and frequently sent songs to friends and family on the all request radio show. Mom was also a fan of pop culture and she kept up with all the current celebrities and always knew who wore it best.

Connie was predeceased by her parents Ernest and Victoria and her birth parents Clifford and Helen as well as brother Kelly and sister Carol.

Connie is survived by daughters Terri, Jolene, Joanna and Emelia; by grandchildren Averri, Brooke, Lexi, Julian, Kayanna, Dakota Rain, DeShawn and Maliyah. She also leaves behind brother Tim, Ernie and Neil and sisters Tracy, Emily, Arlene, Julie, and Debbie as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A church service will be held in Connie's memory on Thursday, April 5th at 1:00 pm at Dakota Plains School. Minister Grant Smith will be officiating.

If friends or family so desire a donation may be made in Connie's memory to: The Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association or Canadian Mental Health Association.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com