Thelma Kathleen Thorson

With saddened hearts, the family of the late Thelma Thorson announce her passing at the Canora Gateway Lodge in Saskatchewan on May 19, 2015 at the age of 89 years. Thelma was born in the Buchanan District, SK on October 26, 1925, the third of six children born to Thor and Kate (Tratch) Thorson. As was common at the time, the children shared in the chores and gardening. Thelma spent many hours helping her father with the animals. She claimed this was due to her being a strong, young girl and her love for the outdoors. Her parents taught her that even the family farm animals were to be treated with special care. With a large family, an abundance of canning and preserving was required and Thelma assisted with that as well. Thelma attended Wergeland School where she attained her grade eight education. At the age of sixteen years, she took the train to Hamilton, ON to join her sister, Lena and gained employment with Dofasco Steel Plant. However, due to health complications, she was unable to work for several years. Once her health improved, she obtained employment with Crane Packing Ltd. in the lapping and seal department, constructing seals for airplanes. Within a short period of time, Thelma became a supervisor. She retired after thirty eight years of service. When she first went to Ontario, Thelma and her brother, Johnny, had the opportunity to room and board at the Sheriko family home. During that time, she became friends with Michael, who became her lifelong friend and companion. Thelma enjoyed travelling and participated in many trips with her church to places including Israel, Norway, Turkey and Russia. Following their retirement, Michael and Thelma also enjoyed visiting Hawaii. They also spent many wonderful summers and Christmas holidays with family in Saskatchewan. Thelma treasured time spent with her brothers, Johnny and Gerald, her sister, Helen and their families. Although never a mother, she had a mother’s heart. She enjoyed many hours with her nieces and nephews. She also mothered many young girls coming to Hamilton; several she nurtured and cared for at work as well. Graciously, she spent countless hours baking Belgium cookies for church bake sales. Orders came in advance for Thelma’s cookies. She also took turns with tending to the church linens and flowers. She loved to garden flowers and vegetables. Many African violets flourished in her care and her balcony was always in full bloom with many plants and flowers. Thelma was an active member of the YMCA and the ‘Mall Walkers Club’ and thus, formed many valued friendships. After many years of happy retirement, Thelma suffered a stroke in 2009. She returned to Saskatchewan to be closer to family. For over five years, she resided in Yorkton at Aspen Bluffs Retirement Home prior to her relocation to the Canora Gateway Lodge. Sadly, in April 2015, she suffered another stroke. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Thelma was predeceased by her parents, Thor and Kate Thorson; her companion, Michael Sheriko; sisters: Lena, Gladys (in infancy) and Helen; brother, Johnny; and her many aunts, uncles and cousins. She is lovingly remembered by her brother, Gerald; her nieces and nephews, her brother Johnny’s children: Glen, Beverly, Cheryl, Kathy and their families; her sister Helen’s children: Debora, Daniel, Connie, Corinne and their families; as well as her Godchild, Charmaine Himbeault. Thelma always had a special place in her heart for her seventeen great nieces and nephews and her eighteen great-great nieces and nephews - many of whom called her “Auntie Baba.” A gathering to celebrate Thelma’s life will be held at TRUSCOTT, BROWN & DWYER FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1309 King Street East (across from Gage Park, at the delta) on Friday May 29 from 11 am to 1 pm followed by a graveside service and interment at Woodland Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, as tokens of remembrance in memory of Thelma Thorson.

“When a loved one becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”