Beatrice Florence Thomas

Betty spent her childhood in Nordegg and summers at her grandmother’s farm outside Sylvan Lake in northern Alberta. The first grandchild in a large family carried special meaning to the summer visits. She was spoiled with attention by her Finnish grandmother and loved all the animals on the farm, especially the horses which she would ride daily as she got older. On Sundays after a sauna she’d go into the living room with her aunts to sing hymns, drink coffee and offer prayers. It was great fun, she would always say. Nordegg was a small town but had a lot going on. There were movies (mainly Shirley Temple), ice skating, skiing, golf, fishing in the creek and swimming in Fish lake. On Sundays she would have lunch with her Scottish grandmother. Betty learned to play the piano at an early age which gave her an appreciation and love of music. She also sang in the church choir which became a lifelong passion.

Betty joined the Army and was stationed in Prince Rupert during the Second World War and that is where she met her husband Gordon [Jeep] Thomas. They married December 28, 1947 and moved to Vancouver shortly after. Their first house was a bungalow and family visits were always a challenge but welcomed. Although the house was small, Betty was a gracious host to all who came. As the family grew they moved to a larger house which could accommodate 4 children and the many relatives that would stay with her over the years. Her house was always open to all who needed a place to stay while in Vancouver, whether to attend university or work or just passing through for a visit, and always accommodating her grandchildren. All these experiences enriched her life. She truly had a servant’s heart.

In retirement Betty and Jeep built a cabin on Sakinaw Lake where many happy family memories were made. It was a peaceful retreat for family fun.

Betty was an inspiration to all who knew her. She unselfishly gave her time to her church, her community and her family. She was a letter writer who would point out injustices and would not hesitate to make her point by writing politicians, even the president of the United States. She had strong points of view and shared these with friends and family. Even when she seemed to succumb to an argument, she always walked away feeling she was right. She was a talented painter, musician, singer, seamstress, knitter, hat maker. She tried her hand at every form of artistic expression and when she showed talent was humble in her response. One of the greatest joys in Betty’s life was being able to watch her children’s and grandchildren’s families grow. She felt truly blessed. Betty always loved a good story and in her 95 years there was lots to tell.

Mom, thank you for your unconditional love and support. We’ll love you forever.

Predeceased by her parents David and Sadie Craig and her husband of 50 years Gordon P. Thomas.

Survived by her brother David Craig (Lorraine) of Calgary ,Alberta, her 2 sisters Maryann Milobar of Kamloops, BC and Sharon Hoeght of Delta, BC; her 4 children Susan Craig (Don), Claudia Sutherland (Calvin Bedard), Craig (Val) and Gordon (Sandra); her 11 grandchildren Carolyn Doherty (Paul), Lisa Urch (Donnie), Jessica Blaak (Ryan), Paul Sutherland, Gordon Sutherland (Adrianna), Matt Thomas (Ali), Sarah Thomas (Claude), Michael Thomas, Emma Thomas, Fiona Thomas and Will Thomas; her 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson as well as many nieces and nephews and their spouses that she had special bonds with.

We’d like to thank all the kind staff at Blenheim Lodge for the care and consideration they gave our mom.