Thelma Smurthwaite

SMURTHWAITE, Thelma Sophia Death, be not proud Passed away on January 10, 2011. Born in Ladysmith, BC, in 1920, Thelma enjoyed growing up in a small town. She trained as a nurse at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria and worked in Prince Rupert during WWII, where she met her husband-to-be, Roy. She later nursed in Vancouver and New Westminster, where she spent most of her married life. Predeceased by her parents, Vic and Eini Niemi (Ojaniemi) and husband, Roy. Survived by son Bob; daughter Dawn; grandchildren Sara, Clayton, Jemma; and great-granddaughter Caylee. Mom used to say there are 2 kinds of Finns: devout teetotalers and those who like a drink. She was one of the latter. She was a kind and compassionate woman, and always favoured the underdog. She loved to laugh, dance, and travel and had happy memories of summer days on Galiano. After an increasingly difficult struggle with dementia, she is now at peace. Our thanks to Martha Anderson, the staff of the Finnish Home, and Dr. Thomson for their kindness to her during her final years. In lieu of flowers, in Mom's memory, wear some red.