BERTHA ELIZABETH THOMSON

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BERTHA ELIZABETH THOMSON Peacefully, on Thursday, August 8, 2002, Bertha Elizabeth "Bert" Thomson passed away at Riverview Health Centre surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind her son Gary (Veronika) and daughter Donna (Ray) grandchildren, Tim (Soo Yon), Tracy (Leighton), Laurie (Jeff) and Stephanie; great-granddaughter Sabrina; sister Edith; and niece Gail. Bert was born in Winnipeg on October 17, 1916. She married John Francis "Jack" Thomson on August 8, 1940, and they lived in Prince Rupert, BC, where Gary was born. They later moved to Edmonton, AB, where Donna was born. Jack passed away on January 11, 1959, and Bert took on the responsibility of raising her two children with the help of her mother Minnie Spence, making many sacrifices along the way, her devotion to her children never wavering. Moving back to Winnipeg in late 1959, Bert began working in food services, Pembina Hall - University of Manitoba where she laboured faithfully for several years to support her family. Bert also worked at St. Edwards Convent where she cooked for the nuns in residence until she retired in 1985. Bert had a very caring heart and displayed this by doing volunteer work at the Deer Lodge Hospital and at the Mission Soup Kitchen. Bert loved to help people and was a true servant of Christ. Nana took many camping trips with Donna, Ray, Tracy and Laurie to British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. She was a wonderful fisherwoman and could hike up those mountains with the best of them. Our Nana sitting by the campfire, eating freshly caught walleye is a memory never to be forgotten. On many occasions, Bert would get on a plane and fly out to Guelph, ON, to spend some much-loved time with Gary, Veronika, Tim and Stephanie. She joined them on a trip to Germany to visit Veronikas mother and sisters and had a memorable journey with them. Although Bert has lived alone for many years, she has never truly been lonely. Along with a family who loved her wholeheartedly, she had many friends whom she loved dearly. Blake, Elsie, Myrtha, Betty, Susie, Chris and Lexie were very near to her heart. Bert was living at Riverview Health Centre where she had received superb care and support. Thank you so much to the staff at 3 East and CD-1, you all made her last days so comfortable. Although our Mom, Nana, Grandma, Great-grandma and friend will be missed tremendously, we take comfort in the knowledge that she is walking the streets of Heaven with a new body and a new set of lungs, singing with Jesus. Jesus is her saviour and we praise Him for taking her home. You fought so hard, You gave it your best, And because of you, So many are blessed. The love we all feel Will never fade away. You will live in our hearts Until one happy someday. So long Ninner, we love you. Funeral service will be held at Calvary Temple, 400 Hargrave St. in Winnipeg on Monday, August 12 at 11:00 a.m. A private family interment will take place at Brookside Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to New Life Girls Home, P.O. Box 149, Consecon, ON, K0K 1T0. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements, 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 10, 2002