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THELMA BOUGHEN On the morning of December 11, 2012, in her 92nd year, Thelma Ariel Boughen (nee Nicholson) died peacefully at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, MB. Born in Dauphin, Manitoba on December 20, 1920, Thelma was the fifth of six children of Tom and Kate Nicholson. Thelma grew up on the family farm near Dauphin, completed her high school education and became a stenographer employed by the R.C.A.F. at the Paulson Airport, a Second World War pilot training base. Growing up in a large family in an era when horses did the work and people made their own entertainment, she embodied the open hospitality of country life and a love of people and animals that was the rule. On July 12, 1948 Thelma married Herb Boughen and moved to an acreage west of Dauphin where they raised their five children. Thelma loved living in the country, gardening, baking and cooking amidst the family pet dogs and horses, and her wild birds. She was a devoted mother with a great sense of humour and fun, an infectious laugh, a beautiful smile and an engaging manner that always welcomed visitors. Thelma had a life-long love of music and a wonderful soprano voice. From operettas to United Church choir, and in the company of Herb on guitar, Thelma loved to sing with both friends and family. Later in life Thelma took great delight in spending time with her grandchildren, attending many sporting events, dance recitals and concerts. In April of 1996 she lost Herb to cancer and five years later she moved to Winnipeg to be near her family, where she gained a vibrant new life meeting new friends at the Golden Rule Senior's Club. In 2003 Thelma suffered a serious stroke but made a partial recovery. In the spring of 2005 she came to reside at the Riverview Health Centre where her warm endearing manner inspired the same in all of her caregivers. She continued to enjoy frequent outings to family gatherings over the years. Thelma is survived by children Joan (Michael), Tom (Christine), John (Tricia), Teresa and Ted (Maureen); grandchildren Maia, Emmelia (Simon), Tassia (Robert), Brett, Jackson, Siobhan and Harlan, step-granddaughter Michelle, Lloyd, and great-grandchildren Abbey, Genevieve, Aaron, and Norah. Thelma was predeceased by her parents, brothers Jack and Bert, sisters Ruth and Shirley and is survived by her sister Hazel. Loved in life, cherished in memory, a private memorial service will be held in the Chapel of the Riverview Health Centre. If so desired, donations in Thelma's memory may be made to Riverview Health Centre Foundation.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 22, 2012
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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In the spring of 1968, I experienced Thelma Boughen's warm, wonderful hospitality when her gracious daughter Joan invited me to visit soon after the end of our first year of university. Wonderful as it was to take the train from Winnipeg up to Dauphin and be welcomed into Joan's exuberant family, I soon succumbed to a nasty case of tonsillitis. Thelma kindly and capably took care of me. She was my ideal mom. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Melanie Collison (daughter Joan's friend) on: Jan 03, 2013
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I have so many great memories of Thelma. Her singing with Herb- songs like Elmer's Tune, Too Many Irons in the Fire, Up the Lazy River, You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You....She sang great harmony with Herb! In the late 60's early 70's The Boughen farm was to me a haven of joyful country play for Joan - who was at university - and Tom also at U in the latter part, Jack, Theresa and Ted and a whole bunch of others friends and family that were always dropping in for eats; sing- songs; horse rides on Chip and Chief; sports events like ice hockey on the creek in the winter and in the spring summer and fall football, soccer, baseball and - everyone's favourite - mud hockey... Thelma- like her whole family was an avid mud hockey player.I remembetr getting carried away and body checking her- but she never held a grudge about it- she just laughed. On weekends Joan and I would drive up and were always greeted so warmly by Thelma and Herb we felt like royalty. But the warm welcomes from Thelma and Herb were there for many others as well - the place felt to me like a party most of the time. Thelma was always feeding everyone and doing it with such grace and aplomb and humour. She loved to tell stories and to hear them as well. Every time I came up to Dauphin I would sit for a time in the kitchen to soak up Thelma's wit and wisdom and share a story or two of my own. Thelma was a vivid storyteller and could captivate me with tales of the outragious and funny behaviour of the people she knew. One of her stories took place on her first morning with Herb the day after they were married - the first breakfast she made for Herb. Early that morning a friend of theirs - "a nut, a real nut" as Thelma called him with a warm smile--. banged on their door at about 6 AM and Thelma- being as hospitable as a human being can be- asked him in. Well- he proceeded to stay for breakfast -first morning or not. Thelma was a bit distracted by the strange occurrence of a friend stopping in on this particular occasion - and in her bewilderment she burned the toast. Well- her uninvited guest said- "no problem" and proceeded to scrape the burned toast on to the kitchen floor. "That's what he did" said Thelma- "a nut...a real nut". And then she laughed in her infectious way. Of Course- Thelma could laugh - and when one of the kids got her going- it was a sight to behold. She would laugh out of control at a funny incident or story and the effect was that everyone around her would end up laughing too. That was the way she was. Leaving was always accompaniede by a long goodbye and a huge lunch for the drive. Even the last time I saw her at the personal care home - when our son Sean went to play piano for her- she got us laughing- that was just the kind of person she was. I have never met anyone like her- but I wish I could. - Posted by: Blake Tyalor (Friend) on: Dec 26, 2012
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I fondly remember spending time with the family. Aunt Thelma always asked me to stay overnight and play when we visited. I remember the sleigh rides with Joan, Tom, John, Teresa and Ted with Uncle Herb driving the horses. Many happy memories. Mom and Dad have often wondered about Aunt Thelma in later years. They also have fond memories about the times they shared. Our sincere condolences to all. Mom, Dad and Wenda - Posted by: Jim and Florence Boughen & Wenda Boughen O'Neill (Brother in Law , Niece ) on: Dec 23, 2012
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I am sorry to hear that Aunt Thelma passed away. We seemed to have lost connection over the past few years. However, I remember very well the good times we had with both your Dad and Mom. I also remember the good times our kids enjoyed times playing with you kids. We just learned a few minutes ago when a friend who receives the Wpg. Free Press, called. She recognized the Boughen name in the paper. I got right on the computer. Although it is a difficult situation to handle, I guess we all have our days numbered here on earth. I trust that God will bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead. I remember well when my Dad & Mom passed away. Hope to see you sometime. God bless, Bob & Ruth Boughen Abbotsford - Posted by: Bob Boughen (Nephew) on: Dec 22, 2012