Feb. 26, 1926 - Sept. 19, 2007
Thelma (Mel) passed away peacefully at Saanich Peninsula Hospital with her four daughters at her side. She is survived by her sister Renie Clayton (John), brother Les Melan (Cindy); daughters Valerie Heath (Bill), Linda Seale (Kerry), Marnie, Brenda Coghlin (John); grandchildren Ian, Craig, Paula (Jay), Lauri, Amanda (Rob), Eric, Frances, Michael (Trina), Dan; great grandchildren Kallie, Jesse, Rebecca; numerous family and friends.
Born in Alert Bay, raised in Port Hardy, schooled in Port Hardy and Oak Bay (grad 1943), Thelma became a teacher after completing Normal School in Victoria and Vancouver. She taught elementary school in Winter Harbour and then Matsqui, where she met and married her “Scotty”. Mel and Ian spent 37 years building the farm and raising their family and kine. She moved to Sidney in 1991 where she lived independently in her house and then an apartment. Over the years she was an active member in the PTA , Hospital Auxiliary, and other community organizations. She was a loyal friend, an avid reader, an environ-mentalist, a birder, and a crossword-puzzler extraordinaire to the end. Her sharp wit and iron will kept her going.
Thank you to the healthcare professionals at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, VGH and RJH who took care of mom this past summer when she broke her hip.     Thanks for helping her reach her goal of going to the family wedding. Thanks, too, to the palliative care unit at Saan Pen.
Dr Marsh, mom appreciated your care and friendship so much over the years. Thank you.
A memorial service will be held October 21, 2007 at 2:30 pm at 10030 Resthaven Drive.Â
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 2165 Mount Newton X Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 2B2 or, Sancha Hall/Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney, V8L 1W9 or a women’s shelter of your choice.