EUNICE MARGARET (HORNER) THORKELSON

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EUNICE MARGARET (HORNER) THORKELSON On Wednesday, August 29, 2007, Eunice passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in the Minnedosa and District Personal Care Home with family at her side. Surviving are her four step-sons, Chris (Debra) of Concord, California, Ben (Margaret) of Calgary, Dan (Donna) and Trevor of Winnipeg and several step-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers Pete (Joyce), Toronto, Harvey (Mary) Minnedosa, Elliott (Lorna) Minnedosa, brother-in-law Archie Londry (Rapid City), sister-in-law Pat, Okatoks, and numerous nieces and nephews. Eunice was predeceased by her husband of twenty-nine years, Bert, brothers Alvin and Wilbert, sister Winona (Nonie), sister-in-law Ferne and Brother Ira in infancy. Eunice was born on October 18, 1918 at home in the R.M. of Saskatchewan. Like the rest of the family, Eunice attended McBride School from grades one to eight. At the care home, she was able to renew acquaintances with Bob Greig, an old classmate, and would laugh while telling family of how Bob used to tease her. Eunice continued her education in Basswood. At the urging of her mother, Eunice moved to Brandon and attended Business College, graduating from secretarial training. She moved to Winnipeg in 1941 and during the war worked in a munitions factory just north of Winnipeg. Next began her long association with Sparling Electrical Wholesalers in Winnipeg. She worked as a secretary and business manager with the company. One day the owners announced to her that they would like to sell the company. After thinking it over for some time she offered to buy the company from them. As she told the story, they said to her, How can you buy the company, you can't have much money. She replied, Of course I don't, I've been working for you haven't I! The owners decided that a woman with her track record at their company and determination would be a very good risk, so in short order she was the proud owner of the business. She ran this business for nearly twenty-five years and was very successful, retiring in 1974. Eunice was a woman well ahead of her time. In a day and age where operating a major business was indeed rare for a woman, she was extremely successful. She was very independent and had no time for those who would not pull their own weight in life. If you needed a hand in life, she would be happy to give you her professional advice as to how to deal with it on your own. The bottom line in her opinion was that every person, male or female, is responsible for their own situation, a philosophy that she lived by. In July of 1975, Eunice married Bert Thorkelson. Together they spent many happy years based on their mutual interest in travel. Over the years they saw a great deal of the world and Bert's passion for photography documented every step of their travels. The destination didn't really matter to them as it could be something exotic as Rio de Janiro or as simple as Belcourt N.D. She constantly reminded nieces and nephews to travel as much as you can . No use in having money if you don't use it , advise that surely was handed down to her from her mother. Unfortunately both Eunice's and Bert's health faded quickly and shortly after Bert's death in 2005, Eunice moved to Minnedosa where she spent her last few years. Eunice will be remembered for her determined attitude in life, her independence, her sense of adventure and her direct manner. A Memorial Service will be held on October 6, 2007 at the Minnedosa Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Arlene Robertson presiding. Interment will follow at Minnedosa Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Minnedosa and District Personal Care Home, Palliative Care Room. Minnedosa Funeral Service in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 06, 2007