SAHARA MARIA “BRENN” SMITH, affectionately known as Grandma Yankee of Coutts, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving children, on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the age of 62, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Bren was a woman who lived life in her own way. She was strong, independent, hardworking, determined, and never afraid to get her hands dirty. She was the kind of woman who could take on just about anything and figure it out. She built a life she could be proud of and spent more than 40 years as the successful owner/operator of Southern Belle Pilot & Hotshot Services, based out of Coutts, Alberta.

But there was so much more to Mom than her work.

She had a true passion for her yard and gardening, taking pride in the things she grew and the beauty she created around her. She loved music and history, and she had an undeniable love for antiques. She was a big collector, and if something caught her eye, chances were it would find its way home with her. Every piece had its own story, and Mom loved the stories behind the things she collected.

And then there were her dogs. She loved her dogs dearly, and over the years there were many of them. They were never simply pets; they were part of the family and a very special part of Mom’s life.

Mom had a personality that could never truly be put into words. She was one of a kind. She could be stubborn, determined, opinionated, and fiercely independent but those same qualities were part of what made her so strong. She was a woman who did things her own way and left an impression wherever she went.

She leaves behind her four children, Roychella (Ryan), Vanna, Travis, and Breanna and her grandchildren Autumn, Chayse, Payton, Wyatt, MacKenzie, Mackayla, and Easton.

Her family was her greatest legacy. She leaves behind memories that will be carried forward through her children, grandchildren, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

We will always love her, we will always miss her, and we will carry her memory with us forever.

As Brenn requested, there will be no funeral service. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-10-05
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta