NOELLE GILBART THOMSON

(née Jackson, December 25, 1928 – January 19, 2026) It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Noelle Gilbart Thomson, a woman of adventurous spirit and deep devotion to her family. Born on Christmas Day, 1928, in Swan Hill, Australia, Noelle lived a life characterized by generosity, travel, and a gift for bringing people together. Noelle's early years were spent on her family's orchard and vineyard in Nyah West. When she was five, the family moved to Melbourne, though they maintained their connection to the farm for many years. Noelle graduated from Occupational Therapy school in Melbourne in 1949, working three years in a Melbourne rehabilitation centre to save money for what would become a defining chapter of her life: her worldwide travels. In 1953, Noelle boarded the passenger ship Himalaya bound for London. With a backpack and a fearless heart, and in classic young-Australian fashion, she spent five months hitchhiking across every corner of Europe on a $150 budget, then took a house in London with friends from her travels for almost a year. Of those days, Noelle said, "We laughed from the moment we got up until bedtime." Following a group of friends to Toronto in 1954, she met Richard Thomson aboard a Canada-bound steamer, and her life took its next turn. Though Noelle returned to Australia in late 1954, Dick was not deterred; he followed her to Melbourne to win her hand. They were married in March 1955. Their honeymoon was a testament to their shared sense of adventure, with yet another many-month journey back to Canada via SE Asia, the Middle East, and hitchhiking through Europe. Eventually settling in Scarborough, Ontario, they dismantled the 1830s Thomson family homestead to build a home for the four children who arrived over a five-year period; Janet, identical twins Ian and David, and Alan. Noelle was the consummate host, known for legendary dinner parties that brought together Dick's work colleagues, college and photography friends, and the Gilbert & Sullivan theatre community. Noelle was a dedicated church member and elder at St. Andrews Scarborough just down the road. Her love of international travel continued even after Dick's passing in 1985, and latterly to visit her sons and grandkids many times in BC. Noelle was a true animal lover - always with a dog at home, but also rescued raccoons, a baby crow that roosted atop the cupboards, wild mice, bunnies, tadpoles, guinea pigs - we could go on! In 1967, the family acquired a rustic cottage on Smoke Lake in Algonquin Park, which became a cherished retreat for decades. Despite the distance, Noelle never lost her connection to Australia, returning frequently to visit her family and introduce her children to their heritage. Noelle was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dick; and her sister, Dorothy. She will be dearly missed by her children, Janet (Ken Campbell), David (Hazel Park), Ian (Deb Thomson), and Alan (Susan Noppe); her nine grandchildren; and extended family across Canada and Australia. In her later years, she enjoyed excellent care at Shepherd Village, for which we are grateful. We are left with countless rich memories of a down-to-earth, low-fuss, and generous wife, mother and grandmother, who juggled for years a welcoming revolving-door home that was rarely quiet. She passed on to us all an expansive and inclusive outlook on the world, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, graciousness, and a story that spans the globe. A celebration of life will be held on July 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Scarborough. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to World Vision or UNICEF.