THELMA SHAW

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THELMA SHAW

MARCH 29, 1927 - APRIL 27, 2025

After a month in hospital, where she celebrated her 98th birthday, Thelma Vera Shaw passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, with her son Cary by her side.

Thelma spent over 50 years in her St. Vital home before moving to Riverside Lions Residence. When asked about her secret to longevity and good health, she simply replied, “Walking - I always walked everywhere.”

Born to Lydia (née Rentz) and Joseph McEwan, Thelma was the eldest of three children. Her family moved frequently but always stayed within the core of Winnipeg. She attended school at Greenway, General Wolfe, and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. Like many of her generation, the war years disrupted her studies, and she left school to help as the family's second income. Her first job was at Nutty Club, where she filled bags of candy for 44 hours a week, earning $10.10. After the war, Thelma began working at J.H. Ashdown Hardware, delivering goods to businesses in the downtown and Exchange districts. It was there she met Bernard (Bernie), and they married in 1946. Their social life centred on the Legion, as it would for their lifetimes.

The couple had three sons, born in 1954, 1956, and 1958. They lived in Killarney for six years, where Thelma cherished memories of pushing a packed carriage to the town beach, piling kids into her friend’s convertible, and learning to preserve food—a lifelong passion fueled by her frugal nature. In 1963, the family returned to Winnipeg. Thelma and Bernie enjoyed socializing and dancing. Bernie affectionately called her ‘Tootie,’ and she was known for her winning ways. Basically, if Thelma entered a draw you best not. Later, Thelma became Miss Gold in the Winnipeg Tribune’s advertising department, a job she loved dearly until the paper closed in 1980.

Thelma had a zest for life. She was known for the positivity and humour she brought to the varied interests that kept her active and engaged. She bowled at Park Alley Lanes, swam at the Y, volunteered at Telephone Pioneers and knitted countless beautiful pieces for her family, friends and charities.

Family was everything to Thelma. Through ups and downs, generations of her family could count on her steadfast love and commitment. Selfless in support of her loved ones, she expected nothing yet appreciated everything. Her resilience inspired many. Thelma was the beloved, beating heart of her family, and her greatness lay in her goodness.

Thelma was predeceased by her husband Bernie, twin boys at birth, son Bernie, grandson Cameron, brother Angus McEwan, sister and brother-in-law Verna and Barry Winslade, and their son Robert. She is lovingly remembered by her sons; Cary (Jenny) and Bruce (Catherine), grandchildren; Calvin (Lisa), Trevor (Nina), Neil (Andrea), and Diana (JP), and great-grandchildren; Mya, Alyssa, Garret, Magnus, Pia, Oskar, Keiran, Ellie, Marin, Léo, Esmée and Laine.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 29, 2:00p.m. at Norwood Hotel, 112 Marion Street.

As requested by Thelma…When I am gone, release me, let me go; I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears; Be happy that we had so many years. - Author Unknown.

“Love you, Dear”

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2025