Thelma Rice

In loving memory of Thelma Rice, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who lived in Calgary, Alberta, and passed away peacefully on Monday, December 4, 2023 at the age of 96 years. She was born April 11, 1927 to John and Margaret Fitzpatrick.

Thelma will be greatly missed by her son Ken and his partner Steve, daughter Colleen; grandchildren Danielle, Melissa and her husband Ryan, and her great-granddaughter, Haley. Her family was the pride and joy of her life, and she was so honoured to meet her first great-grandchild.

Thelma is predeceased by the love of her life, Cliff; her beloved cat, Button, and her sisters; Emma, Mary, Kay, Minnie, Ruth, and Margaret.

She was a registered nurse and started her career at the Holy Cross in the ICU for newborns. She loved working with her “peanuts,” and spoke often about the year she worked in Hawaii. She loved knitting sweaters and cheering on her Calgary Flames and Stampeders.

In Thelma’s memory, we would like to share the Nurse’s Alumnae Prayer from her graduating class, General Hospital School of Nursing (1950). This represents the philosophy by which she lived her life and her kind and generous spirit:

Our Father....give us grace today to think not of what we can get but of what we can give, with new vision and a new purpose. Grant to all Nurses, wisdom and skill; diligence and patience.

Take away all the hatred and prejudice and whatsoever else may hinder us from Godly union and concord.

Guide our Alumnae Association and inspire each member to work willingly and wholeheartedly so that Thou wilt delight to bless our renewed spirit.

The family wishes to thank Intercare Brentwood Care Centre’s staff and everyone who provided care and support to Thelma over the past years.

At Thelma’s request, there will be no funeral services.

Memorial donations may be made to the University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing. Donations may be mailed to:

University of Calgary, Gift Processing & Tax Receipting,

OVC 131, 2500 University Drive NW,

Calgary, Alberta, CANADA T2N 1N4,

make the cheque payable to University of Calgary and indicate that the donation in Thelma Rice’s memory

or you may donate through the webpage at

https://engage.ucalgary.ca/give?id=df0cdb6d-5158-40f5-9d5d-5d9f59dbd42e , in the search box type faculty of nursing then chose Calgary General Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association Bursary Endowment