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CATHERINE MARIA THEXTON (SLATER)
Born: Jan 08, 1921
Date of Passing: Feb 27, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCATHERINE MARIA THEXTON (SLATER) 1921 - 2019 It is with great sorrow the family announces the passing of Catherine Maria Thexton (nee Slater), aged 98, formerly of Balmoral, MB, on February 27, 2019, at Rosewood Lodge, Stonewall, MB. She will be sadly missed by her four nieces, Carol Schaeffer, Heather (Joe) Corbett, Jean (Ed) Rootsaert and Joan (Dean) Holliston. Also mourning Catherine are her nephew Wayne (Carole) Thexton of Nanaimo, BC, and niece Erin (Mike) Cosentino. She leaves to remember her many great-nieces and nephews. Catherine was predeceased by her loving husband George (2004), her brother Charlie (2005), his wife Velma (2011), as well as George's siblings, Stewart (Evelyn) Thexton, Bruce (Fern) Thexton, Lillian (Bob) Edmonds, Fern (Del) Young, Mae (Cliff) Zaroski and Islay (Bill) Hobson. Catherine was born January 8, 1921 to loving and caring parents, John Henry and Alexa Slater (nee Simpson) at Balmoral, MB. She was raised beside Jackfish Creek and this is where her love of nature began. She received her education in Balmoral. Following that, she went to Winnipeg Normal School, received her teaching certificate and launched her teaching career. Her first position was Middleton School near Manitou on August 22, 1939. She later taught at Miniota, Lac Du Bonnet, Garson and Oak Bluff. She married George Wilson Thexton on February 16, 1943, during the Second World War. While George was on duty with the R.C.A.F. in England, Catherine taught school. When the war ended Catherine remained at home as a farm wife in Balmoral for 15 years. With George's full support she then went on to the University of Manitoba and received her B.Sc. (1966), B.Ed. (1973) and M.Ed. (1978). She was teaching in Winnipeg at Principal Sparling School and then St. John's High School where she taught biology and introduced a course in ecology. She was employed there until her retirement in 1978. She then had time to pursue her interest in recording "sounds of nature" on their farm near Balmoral. Over the next 10 years she recorded audio sounds of birds and nature which she then sold worldwide to nature enthusiasts. As an infant Catherine was on the Cradle Roll at the Balmoral United Church and continued to be a lifetime member. She was also a lifetime and proud supporter of the Liberal Party of Canada, just like her father and brother and was a member of the Laurier Club. Catherine was involved in publishing "100 Years of History - Rockwood Municipality" in 1982. She was also instrumental in writing "The Greenridge School Story" and fundraising to erect a cairn and bench at the sight north of Balmoral in 2011. In 2006 Catherine gave a land donation to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, in George's memory, which reflected their lifelong appreciation of nature. This 40 acre Old Growth Forest known as "Thexton Oaks" is located two miles east of Balmoral. In 1990 Catherine received an honorary life membership to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. She was so proud of her Scottish ancestry and shopped for years through the L.L.Bean catalogue, buying many a tartan shirt. During the last several years her vision failed and she became legally blind. Then she would have others help her call the catalogue. The past 25 years were spent at Lions Manor, Stonewall where she continued to work on her projects. Catherine was never bored. The family would like to thank John and Helen Hildebrand, John and Carol Morgan, Karen Miller, Dr. K. Graham, Michelle Loehmer and the homecare staff, as well as the staff at Rosewood Lodge for their support. A memorial service will take place at the MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall, on Saturday, March 9 at 2:00 p.m. The pallbearers will be Catherine's great-nephews, Campbell Gibb, Bryan, Peter, Mark and Christopher Rootsaert and Craig Cosentino. Interment in Victoria Cemetery, Balmoral. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to the University of Manitoba and directed to the "Catherine Thexton Endowment Fund" in care of Monica Carlberg, B.Sc., Donor Relations, University of Manitoba, 200 - 137 Innovation Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3T 6B6, phone: 204-474-7424, or to a charity of your choice. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 204-467-2525 info@mackenziefh.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2019
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Mrs. Thexton will be much missed. - Posted by: John Marczyk (Former student and friend) on: Apr 10, 2019
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Mrs Thexton was my biology teacher in St Johns High school. I graduated in 1976. She helped me and 2 other colleagues with entering the MSSA science fair. We got a silver medal for our efforts. A large part was due to her support and guidance for us working on the project during spares, lunches and after school. She provided valuable information and guidance for us. She gave up her time so we could succeed. Her influence also guided me into the sciences and the love of Biology. I entered University in Zoology and Botany. I ended up in the education field myself, albeit not quite in science, Biology was my major in Education. I didn't get a position as a Science teacher (not for a lack of trying) but eventually as a wood shop teacher. Another aspect of her life was her help in again with my two other friends in making a super 8 science fiction horror film, just for fun. This was done mainly after school and she was willing to "supervise" three goofy nerds in their endeavor. I also remember her taking us on various field trips like the Winnipeg Sewage treatment plant and little mountain park on nature quests. I am sure I wasn't the only one touched by her kindness. I often thought of her when I was a teacher myself. I wish I could of told her these things myself personally but I guess she is probably up there some where taking pictures and classifying the local flora and fauna of heaven. My condolences to all of your family in her loss. She was one of the "good" ones. - Posted by: Felix (student) on: Mar 08, 2019
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Catherine was an inspiration to many people, especially in the conservation field. Catherine's love of nature shone through everything she did. She was a pioneer in environmental education, and happily shared her insights into the natural world. She knew every bird and plant, and imparted the joy she had in each willingly. Her specialty of recording the songs of prairie birds was known around the world through LPs, cassettes and CDs. People absolutely delighted in the Meadowlark choruses she made available, bringing back childhood memories. Numerous other wild birds found their voice through Catherine's audio recordings, helping thousands to know the beauty of their songs. And through that knowledge, help to care about the plight our declining prairie species face. Thank you Catherine for your example, caring, wisdom, and generosity. The morning of your passing last week, the Redpolls here at our feeder voiced a chorus like we had never heard before. We knew they and George were welcoming you home with open arms. We will hear your voice every time they call, reminding us to continue to strive to conserve those of this world who cannot speak for themselves. - Posted by: Carol & John Morgan (Friend) on: Mar 07, 2019
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Sincere condolences to all of Catherine’s family . She was a “Lady “and we will remember her dignity.. - Posted by: Don & Lou Best (Aqaintance) on: Mar 06, 2019
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Our sympathy on the loss of a wonderful lady. Catherine was always there for me and my brother Dale in our time of need. Catherine had a full and productive life and has left a lasting legacy. She was well loved and will be missed by many. We will always remember her and her kindness. Wayne, Carole and family. - Posted by: Wayne Thexton (Nephew) on: Mar 05, 2019
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Many of us take for granted the influence that educators have on our lives. We forget how we learned to think and understand the world around us. It wasn't until my 25th graduation reunion that I was able to visit, chat and thank Mrs. Thexton for her hard work. You were always a class act during my high school years. Rest in peace Mrs. Thexton. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. - Posted by: Romeo Di Girolamo (St. John's H.S. Class of 1977) on: Mar 05, 2019
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My condolences, Carol, Heather, Jean and Joan. Catherine was one of a kind. You will surely miss her in your lives...her wisdom, caring, her quiet presence. I will always treasure her recordings, a joy to listen to, especially during the winter months. Shirley Jahns Mulvey - Posted by: Shirley Jahns Mulvey (Acquaintance) on: Mar 05, 2019
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