Harriet THIO

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THIO: Harriet Rosette Marie was born in Brenda Municipality near Medora, Manitoba on November 22, 1933 to Joseph and Marie (Verlinde) Van Gheluwe. She attended Sherwood and Otter schools as well as taking a home economics course in Brandon one winter, then helping out with the family farm until her marriage to Roger Thio on October 8th, 1953. They began farming in 1954 in the East Lynne district, residing there until 1980 when they moved to their present residence in Boissevain across from “The Park” where she could enjoy her grandchildren and their friends coming over for treats. She served as president of the Ray-Lynne homemakers for a number of years and also was a member of the W.I., Lionelles and St. Joseph’s Church. In 1973 she took her G.E.D. and began her career as an operator/supervisor in the Boissevain MTS office. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, taking much pleasure in all their achievements; they and all their friends were welcome in her home. Harriet was able to take an early retirement and indulge in their love of travel, which took them to visit family in Belgium and tour Europe, and Great Britain. Their camping trips took them west to Alaska and east as far as Cape Breton, the New England states as well as Arkansas, Missouri and western USA. They settled in Apache Junction, Arizona as their winter destination where she could see the Superstition Mountains from her doorstep, “the prettiest mountains in the world”. In the summer they followed The Outlaws ball team and the harness racing circuit, camping most weekends with friends. At the time of her last illness she was planning and mapping out a camping tour of Illinois then Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Marie, her parents-in-law Leon and Adrienne and brother-in-law Clarence. She leaves to mourn her loss and celebrate her life, husband Roger of 56 years; three sons Allen (Verna), Glen, and Dale (Linda), 3 dearly loved grandsons Joseph, Mike and Adam and her darling granddaughter Carli. She is also survived by one brother Harry, sister-in-law Laurette (Wayne) Pringle, Laraine Thio, as well as many nieces, nephews and many cousins in Belgium. Respecting Harriet’s wishes cremation has taken place and there was no formal funeral service. There will be a celebration of Harriet’s life at a later date for family and friends. Her wish was for friends to remember her in their own way. Donations may be made to Boissevain Palliative Care or to Cancer Care Manitoba.Miss Me,But Let Me GoWhen I come to the end of the roadAnd the sun has set for me,I want no rites in gloom filled roomWhy cry for a soul set free?Miss me a little, but not too longAnd not with your head bowed low,Remember the love that we once sharedMiss me, but let me go.For this is a journey we all must takeAnd each must go alone,It’s all part of the Master’s PlanA step on the road to home.So when you are lonely and sick at heartGo to the friends we know,And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds,Miss me, but let me go.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 14, 2009