Jonina (Nina) Smith

Jonina (Nina) Elin Smith, 98, of Calgary, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025.

Nina was born Jonina Elin Einarsson in Regina on June 8, 1927, to parents of Icelandic descent. From a young age she showed a natural talent for art, and her family encouraged her creativity, sending her to lessons whenever possible. Art was always at the center of her life, and she explored many mediums—pastel, oil, and watercolour—before eventually finding her passion in painting on porcelain.

As a young woman, Nina worked as a salesperson for Henry Birks and Sons and later as a bank teller, where she met her future husband, Charles (Chuck) Smith.

After their marriage, Nina opened an art studio in her basement and began teaching ceramic arts and china painting. Her talent, wit, and engaging teaching style made her a beloved instructor. Her seminars were soon in high demand, and she began teaching across Canada and the United States.

Charles’s career with Imperial Oil took the couple to several cities, including Edmonton and Calgary, and each time Nina re-established her thriving studio. Together they shared a love of travel, taking annual international trips to many destinations. After Charles took early retirement, they moved to Leisure World, Arizona, where they formed deep friendships and enjoyed many happy years, returning to Calgary each summer.

By this time, Nina had become an internationally recognized porcelain artist and teacher, celebrated for her distinctive wildlife and nature scenes—an uncommon focus in a field traditionally devoted to floral subjects.

The couple eventually settled back in Calgary permanently in the 1990s. Following Charles’s passing in 2003, Nina moved to Trinity Lodge Retirement Residence, where she enjoyed many social and fulfilling years. She was an active member of The Questers, The Porcelain Artist Guild, the Red Hat Society, and her church, St. Laurence Anglican.

Nina is predeceased by her parents, sister Anna Mae, and husband Charles. 

Nina is fondly remembered by many dear friends for her kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humour and adventure. A gifted teacher and lifelong learner, she maintained a deep curiosity about the world and a love of beauty that inspired all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank the medical staff and caregivers at Trinity Lodge Retirement Residence and Chinook Care Centre.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Laurence Anglican Church, 5940 Lakeview Dr. SW, Calgary, on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Reception and refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, The Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.

“A long and well-lived life is measured not by the years we count, but by the love, laughter, and light we share along the way.”

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