Opal was born in Creston, BC on July 19, 1932 to Henry and Edith Lavon Walkey.  She grew up on a small farm in Arrow Creek and spent her childhood with her 13 brothers and sisters.  When Opal was 16, she met and married James Smith of Brisco on October 16, 1948.  They moved to Kimberley, BC and welcomed their first son Dale in 1950.  The second son Gary was born in 1952 and in 1957, the couple had twin daughters Heather and Faune, but Heather passed shortly after birth.  Jim worked as a carpenter at Cominco while Opal stayed at home to raise the children.  Opal was predeceased by her parents Henry and Edith Lavon, her husband Jim, her children Dale, Gary and Heather, her many sisters and brothers, her son-in-law Orin Hoglund and one grandson Dave Smith.

Opal is survived by her sister Nita, her daughter Faune, grandson Danny (Jenn), granddaughters Destiny, Lavonne (Joe), Celeste (Mike) and Shanna (Paul) as well as her 12 great grandchildren and very special friend Chery Duggan.

At Opal’s request, there will be no service.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lunge and all the staff of the Kootenay Street Village.

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