EVELYN MARGARET (KELLY) THOMPSON

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Evelyn Margaret (Kelly) Thompson, our matriarch of 101 years, passed peacefully on December 23, 2022. Mom was born September 8, 1921, at her childhood home in Beaver, Manitoba. Her arrival completed the family of Emma and Thomas Kelly. She was their only daughter, preceded by three older brothers.
Moms’ early years being spent on the farm, part of a large and loving extended family, ensured that she developed into a social, outgoing woman with a love of nature and music. Her experiences playing baseball and curling in her youth led to a lifetime passion for both sports. She was also an avid royalty enthusiast. Receiving her official congratulations from Queen Elizabeth II to mark her 100th birthday was a source of great pride.
Mom spent many childhood hours accompanying her violin-playing brother Walter as he entertained at country dances. It was at one such event that she spied and fell in love with her life dance partner, Stephen Thompson. Together they danced their way through 44 years of marriage, raising six children – ‘the Twins ‘– Dwight and David, Joanne, Heather, Gregory and Lois. They shared a love of family and friendship and a belief in the importance of contributing to their community. Their homes in Pathead, Katrime, and Brandon were always buzzing with activity; the door was always open. Mom could easily accommodate more at a meal, add a plate to the table, or squeeze in another sleeper.
Mom, with dad at her side, enjoyed a myriad of adventures. Whenever time allowed, they were on the go – road trips to visit extended family, Forester conventions, Legion meetings, square dancing, golfing and in later years some true vacations. Two favourites were their visit to New York City and a stay in Hawaii. For many years their bus at Oak Lake was a favourite destination for many. A love of music led to a memorable bus trip to Nashville and annual attendance at Country Fest for over 20 years. She loved this festival, often partying into the wee hours and aiming to watch the sunrise with “the boys”.
Mom also had a strong work ethic, filling a variety of roles over the years. From her early days as a waitress at the Blue Bird Cafe, a clerk at Kershners of MacGregor, through nursing at Manitoba School, supervising Victor House and culminating as head laundress at the Dinsdale Personal Care Home: Mrs. Thompson, as she was referred to, earned respect and friendship from her co-workers.
Mom approached life with a pragmatic determination. She was straightforward, opinionated, and firm in her convictions. She did not believe in worrying, deeming it a “waste of time”. She was a treasured friend to many, young and old. She tended to favour the underdog, always providing support to those she decided needed it. Mom championed many causes over the years. Our family lovingly referred to her as the “pew lady”, a title earned from her determination in ensuring that pews were installed in Trinity United Church (Brandon). During her later years mom could always be found in “Command Central”. From her favourite chair with her phone, address book, newspaper, historic “red books”, and a box of Kleenex always within reach, she continued to keep on top of all family and civic events. She shared this knowledge with the extended family and a vast circle of friends.
Mom was one of a kind, a truly a force to be reckoned with. She will be greatly missed. Left to carry on her legacy: David (Irene), Dwight (Louanne), Joanne McMillan, Heather Agnew-Strang (Malcolm Strang), Gregory, and Lois (Robert Wedgewood); Grandchildren, Janet (Gord Turner), Sharon Thompson, Dianne (John Carmichael), Corinna (Cal Pierrepont), Dayna (Peter Bresky), Robert Ash (Tracy), Roanne (Daren Bryant), Roberta (Mike Brown), Jacqueline (Vaughn Sangster), Alanna Nicol, Kelly McMillan (Ronald Contreras), Jennifer Agnew (Johnson Sherrard), Elizabeth (Colin Kazina), Joseph Agnew (Bonnie), John Strang, Stephen Thompson, Sarah Thompson, Mitchell Wedgewood, Thomas Wedgewood (Eleanor Hyndman) and Erin Wedgewood (Cody Silvius); 26 great-grandchildren; sister in law Jean (Thompson) Harkness and multiple nieces, nephews and greats. Her first great-great-grandchild is expected in February.
Mom was predeceased by her husband of 44 years – Stephen Edgar Thompson, daughter-in-law Sabina Thomspon (Krasicki), and son-in-law David McMillan; brothers George (Margaret), Walter (Thelma), and Jim (Florence); in-laws Ross Thompson (Annie), Norma (Norman McLachlan), and Glenn Harkness.
The family extends a huge thank you to all the second-floor staff of Fairview Nursing Home for their wonderful care of mom during her final months. In keeping with moms wishes a graveside funeral will be held at Beaver Creek Cemetery (3 miles from where she was born) at a warmer time. Donations to honour mom can be made to Trinity United Church, Brandon, Manitoba

Clarke's Funeral Home Gladstone MacGregor
in care of arrangements and www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 07, 2023, Jan 10, 2023