MARILYN “MEME” SMITH (née: Kilkenny)
June 14th, 1957 – January 16th, 2026
It is with broken hearts that our family announces the sudden and unexpected passing of our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Marilyn Dianne Smith on Friday, January 16th, 2026.
She was predeceased by her parents, Len and Phyllis Kilkenny; infant brother, Joseph; mother and father-in-law, Glen and Shirley Smith; and brother-in-law, Jeff Smith. Marilyn will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 42 years, Darrin; daughter, Bria (Brad) – Hailey, Hudson and Hunter; son, Derek (Cassie) – Beckett; sisters: Dawn, Colleen (Jeff), and Gaylene (Mac); brother-in-law, Marty (Polly); sister-in-law, Glenda (Rose); nieces and nephews: Mike (Lori), Jordan, Kelsey, Dylan and Tanner, Matthew and daughter Ciara, Kristianne, Dylan (Holly) Callum, Jill (Chet), Jade (Carter), Aaron, Erica, Charlotte, and all of their beautiful families; as well as many close friends that have always been family.
Marilyn was born June 14th, 1957 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She attended St Michael’s school and Vanier Collegiate. She met her husband Darrin in 1981 and that is where her life story began. They welcomed their daughter Bria in July of 1982. They later married June 4th, 1983, and in August of 1986 they welcomed their son Derek, to perfectly complete their family.
After having children, Marilyn decided she wanted to stay home and open her own home daycare. There was no one better fit for this job. She was the sweetest, kindest, patient person you would ever meet. Her daycare families adored her, as she did them, with many becoming like family, and she was a second home to many kids. She continued her home daycare for 40 plus years, until her recent retirement in June of 2025.
Marilyn loved camping, baking, putting around her house, and making big family meals for everyone at Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. She just loved having all of her loved ones close. Her grandchildren were her greatest treasure, and she loved them with her whole heart. She loved watching them play hockey, football, or whatever sport they were doing at the time. She was always in the crowd cheering. She will be missed immensely.
The family would like to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out during this difficult time.
The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Those not able to attend may view the service by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
my condolance goes to u darren and all ur family
What a wonderful service so sorry to everyone she was a beautiful person ❤️
Our family was lucky enough to have Meme as our daycare for 5 years up until she retired. She was the most loving, patient, kind woman and our kids as well us loved her so much! Such a blessing when you can drop your children off with someone and never have to worry.
Sending our deepest condolences to
Bria, Derek, Darrin & entire family ❤️
She will be so missed.
Marlyn was truly the kindest and caring person anyone could meet and have the privilege of calling a friend. She was so very proud of her family and enjoyed all the time spent together. I know she will be missed immensely and forever thought of by so many. Thinking of you all
Sending love and hugs to Meme’s family during this difficult time. My boys loved her, and she loved them like they were her own. Meme, you will always have a special place in our family’s heart❤️
Our heartfelt condolences to Darrin, Bria, Derek, and family. We’ve heard so many wonderful stories over the years about Marilyn from the families who attended her daycare. It’s clear that she brought kindness and joy to so many.
May you find peace and comfort in the beautiful memories you shared together. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
We would like To send our condolences out to the Smith and Kilkenny families in the loss of our cousin Marilyn. We will always remember her warm smile when we got to see her and the sisters. Glenn & Sharan Walkeden
Our condolences to family and friends of Marilyn from Rick Nelson and myself. she will be greatly missed by many.
Sincerely my condolences Gaylene and your family
Meme was a treasure!! Her heart was ALWAYS with everyone she encountered throughout her days! Dakota loved her and was blessed to be a part of her daycare family for a few years and he has very fond, loving and joyfilled memories of her caring for him!! She is a beautiful soul who will be missed ALWAYS! Take great care Darrin and family ! So very, very sorry for everyone’s loss!!
What do you say for such a terrible loss. Meme job was never done. She always saw the kids outside of work and it will forever be meme. Darin and family my condolences to you all. Marilyn was many things and great was the biggest one. May she be at piece and forever watching over yous❤️
Our condolences.
From your cousin Brian Miller and his wife Pamela
I am so sorry for your loss. I just heard the sad news. I will always remember the summer vacations we spent together as kids. She was a special person who will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love to All.
Thinking and offering up prayers for Marilyn and your family Darrin.
I am so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was a wonderful friend and person who was kind and loving to everyone. She was devoted to her family and all the children she dedicated her life to at her daycare. She was a beautiful woman.
Marilyn was a very special person always thinking of everyone else I remember her saying how she wanted yo help young families out. I will miss her deeply …prayers and thoughts to the family ..
luv always Margaret & Family