THELMA ALICE MCAMMOND MILLER

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THELMA ALICE MCAMMOND MILLER On June 17, 2016, surrounded by her family, our beautiful mother Thelma Miller passed away. She was born on August 4, 1935 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Charles and Sarah Alice McAmmond. Thelma grew up between three older siblings and two younger. Because of this, she fit in with any crowd. She could hang with the tough guys on the school yard, and became known as quite the tomboy. She was also one of the sweetest babysitters a neighbour could hire. She was also a well respected speed skater and spent as much time as she could at the outdoor rink. She loved reminiscing about her childhood with her siblings and regaling her children and grandchildren with stories of the mischief they caused. She met Robert Miller on a blind date and they were married three months later, September 30, 1955. They made their home in Winnipeg and began raising their four girls, Roberta, Laura, Melissa and Michelle. Thelma always longed to move to The States' and one June day, they packed up the family and flew to Washington State, where she and Robert would make their home until 1987. They would eventually move back to their hometown, where they lived until Robert's death in 2001. His death brought Thelma back to Washington State. Thelma had an amazing talent for knitting and crocheting. Afghan blankets, baby clothing, oven mitts, dish cloths and slippers; you name it, she could make it. For years at Christmas, family members could put in their requested colour scheme for slippers and they would be under the tree on Christmas morning. She also crocheted baby doll clothing for her granddaughters and tried her hand at Barbie clothing! When she wasn't crocheting, you could find her at Bingo anywhere, anytime. Her love for Bingo was similar to an athlete participating in a competitive sport. She took it seriously and if you played with her, you better too! No missing any Bingos! She had a group of friends at the Bingo hall who would call if she didn't show up for a session, and would save her table if she was going to be late. She was an avid Seahawks and Husky fan and could be found glued to her TV watching her boys on Saturday and Sunday. She always knew they were going to win, no matter what, and would text family members "don't worry-we've got this." She loved making Apple Cup wagers with her Cougar loving family and wouldn't hesitate to hold a Husky win over their heads for an entire year. Thelma loved watching her children, and later her grandchildren, compete in any sporting, musical or dance event they were involved in. She rarely missed her grandchildren's events and became known as Nana' to their friends. She saved every program, ticket, button, and picture from every event her grandchildren were involved in. She said, more than once, that being a grandma was the best thing ever. Thelma was a wonderful singer, and passed her love of music on to several of her grandchildren. She had a beautiful voice that sounded effortless and natural. Most of all, Thelma loved spending time with her family. She answered to many different names: Mom, Grandma, Nana, Nana Huma, Bum Nana, and most recently, Banana. Her unconditional love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren made her a special and comforting soul who everyone always wanted to be around. She was known for her feisty conversations, resilient outlook on life, and her spunky sense of humour. She never hesitated to use colourful language, tell a dirty joke or speak her mind. No one will be able to fill the void left by such an animated and vibrant mother, grandmother, and friend. Thelma is survived by her four daughters: Roberta (Randy), Laura (Brian), Melissa (Lyal), Michelle (Tim), her 12 grandchildren: Randi (Cort), Bobby (Jackie), Ryan (Crystal), Jamie (Tim), Katie (Mike), Aimee (Scott), Ian, Kaila (Matt), Malia, Brielle, Hailey and Connor, and her 14 great-grandchildren (#15 due in July). She is also survived by her brother Don (Sandy) and sister Donna Lyn (Ed). She leaves behind a large family in Winnipeg: her brothers-in-law, Carl (Pauline), Tom (Terri), Joe, and sisters-in-law Karen, Diane (Gunther) and Patsy, whose friendship she cherished. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: John Orville (Red) and Brian, her sister Valerie, her husband Robert, and her triplets Barbara, Barry, and Bruce. The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Mill Creek where Thelma loved her life and the many friends she made there. We would also like to thank the staff at Marysville Care Center for their care of our Mom over the past few weeks. Finally, we give a very special thank you to the staff at Providence Hospital Everett, 8th Floor, D wing North and South for their loving care and especially to her wonderful nurses, Scott and Judy, for their tender care of both our mom and the family at the end of her life A memorial will be held on August 4 at Evergreen Funeral Home, on what would have been her 81st birthday. Arrangements handled by Evergreen Funeral Home.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2016