Thelma GILL

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GILL: It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Thelma Gill, beloved wife of the late Cyril Gill, of 58 years, our dear Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and Great-Great-Grandma on Monday, October 27, 2014 at Shoal Lake Personal Care Home with family by her side, at the age of 92 years. Left to cherish her memory are her children Shirley (Orville), Betty (John), John (Donna) and Dave (Norma), 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mom was born in Strathclair, Manitoba August 11, 1922 to parents Florence and Bill Kirkby and middle child of two brothers Jim and George. Mom attended Green Bluff one room school. As a young woman she worked as a telephone operator for several years before marrying Dad on June 22, 1944. Together they farmed in Strathclair area for 30 years. Mom was a stay at home mom and a true homemaker. She worked very hard keeping the household running smoothly, tending to a large garden, making the meals and having them ready for not only her family but for the hired man as well. Yorkshire pudding, homemade breads, pies plus quarts and quarts of raspberries, saskatoons and other preserves were some of Mom’s specialties. She took great pride in her baking for the Strathclair Fair winning many prizes. Mom had a crafty interest in decorating, sewing, crocheting and was very talented at creating unique costumes for her children. Mom and Dad moved to Strathclair in 1974. She took great pride in her flowers and her yard and definitely having a green thumb for geraniums and violets in particular. Once they moved to town the tradition of Friday spaghetti and meatballs for lunch at Grandma and Grandpas started, often accompanied by custard with apple sauce or rice pudding for dessert. Mom’s greatest pride and joy came from her family and she loved attending weddings, graduations, sports, 4-H, etc. This kept her very busy over the years and created very special memories for all. Mom was very community oriented. She was a loyal member of the Strathclair United Church, life member of the Strathclair Ladies Curling Club, Carlton Lodge Board, the Hall Committee, and organized and delivered Meals on Wheels. Mom was a very thoughtful and caring person not only to family but to neighbors and friends as well. She loved to stay connected thorough phone calls, cards and visits. She loved celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. Mom and dad had a full life together for 58 years. They enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Europe, USA, Alaska and many parts of Canada over the years. After retiring, golfing, camping, and fishing often with family, were some of their favorite summer activities. When going in their truck camper became too difficult, they adapted by staying in cabins at Clear Lake to get their “camping and lake fix”. In the winter they were both avid curlers and also followed her family’s love of the sport. Mom and Dad also attended some provincial, national and world curling events. Later in life, she enjoyed following the events on TV. Mom always made the best of any situation. Her move to the Shoal Lake PCH 8 1/2 years ago was not an easy one. But true to her nature she made the best of it. She took part in the activities, outings in the handivan, helping to decorate, knitting and folding towels. She enjoyed dancing in her younger years so she really enjoyed the musical programs at the home. She had a special interest in the canaries at the PCH. She was very committed tending to them every day, feeding them, and every night covering the cage. Mom lived a very full life experiencing many changes throughout her lifetime. We have all been very fortunate and blessed to have you in our lives. You were always there when we needed you. Your cheery smile will be forever etched in our memories. We love you so dearly. God Bless you Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma. Great-Great-Grandma and friend. We will miss you and will be thinking of you in our thoughts and prayers.The funeral service was held October 31, 2014 from Strathclair United Church with Rev. Jamie Bradshaw officiating. Interment followed in Strathclair Municipal Cemetery. Pallbearers were five grandsons and 1 great-grandson. If friends so desire donations may be made to the Strathclair United Church Memorial Fund or a charity of one’s choice. Rae’s Funeral Service was in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 22, 2014