Elfriede Maria THOR

THOR, Elfriede Maria: With broken hearts, we said an unexpected goodbye to Elfriede Maria Thor (née Acher) on February 13, 2025. Born to Paula and Walter Acher on May 13, 1952 in Exeter, Ontario, Marie (as friends and family affectionately knew her) grew up in Williams Lake, BC and spent most of her adult life at home in Penticton, BC. We say 'at home' because Penticton was where she fell in love with Gilbert Thor and raised her own family, her proudest achievement. Together, the two of them built a purposeful life full of adventures. In his final years, Marie lovingly cared for her beloved husband and bid him farewell in 2021. Marie is survived by her son, Eric (Dallas), daughter, Crista (Mike), and her grandsons, Espen, Kjell, Spencer and Colton (Mariana), as well as her two sisters, Karen and Helga and countless extended family and dear friends, including both her Cherry Lane Towers and Shoppers Drug Mart families. Always a beacon of kindness, Marie's generous heart could be felt in her willingness to lend a hand or an ear. It could be tasted in her cookie monster cookies, apple pies, carrot cake and lasagna. It could be seen in all the beautiful things she created in her life. It could be sensed in her playful nature, fierce pride and interminable thoughtfulness. She had a saying for everything and a way with words. She used poetry to capture and make sense of her vast life experiences starting when she was just a young girl. She was a careful archivist who tirelessly worked to keep her family's history alive and stories told. Have you ever heard Your heart sing You can you know Just stop, breath, listen (excerpt from a poem written by Marie in 1972) Momma, you live on in all of us and we are all better for having you inhabit our hearts. Thank you to all of the friends and family and the staff at Penticton Hospital who were at our sides as our mom got her wings. A private family ceremony will be held this summer. If you wish to honour Marie's memory, please consider a donation to the Penticton & District Hospice Society. https://www.pentictonhospice.com Condolences may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com