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THELMA GWENDOLIN LUSSIER
Born: Dec 28, 1950
Date of Passing: Jul 03, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryTHELMA GWENDOLIN LUSSIER
Thelma was the much-loved daughter of Ida Cooper Beals and Harold Beals and was born on December 28, 1950, in Bowsman, Manitoba. She was the youngest girl in a large and loving family and sadly outlived her oldest and youngest brothers, Glenn and Bartley; and her brother-in-law Jim.
She is survived by her sister Dorothy; her brother Keith; and sister-in-law Germaine; her sisters-in-law, Myrna and Liz; and countless nieces and nephews (greats and great-greats - we are legion!) While she never met her other sisters and brother, Irene, Yvonne and Freddie, who died before she was born, they were always remembered. What a reunion they must be having now!
Thelma was quite simply a powerhouse! She was strong-willed, independent, outspoken and a trail blazer for women everywhere. She had an illustrious career at the University of Manitoba as the Executive Director of Institutional Analysis that spanned many decades. She broke barriers and worked tirelessly to promote the equality and safety of women. This was one of her passions and she had the courage of her convictions! She received many accolades, awards, and recognition for her work in her long career and in the community.
Thelma also had a long-standing passion for travel and was able to visit many countries in the world. She particularly loved Spain and South America and all things Spanish and loved being able to practice the language. It was impossible for her to hear Spanish music and not to get up and dance. Even at the end of her life, she still had the moves! She loved good food and hosted many amazing dinner parties over the years, with a carefully curated menu! Thelma never gave up her dream of being able to travel, even at the end of her life, she was still making plans!
Thelma had a lifelong love for live theatre and instilled and shared that appreciation with many of us. She was a huge Winnipeg Blue Bomber’s fan and was known to get quite feisty if someone was in the way of her view of the action! She was famous among her nieces for her fashion sense, and all admired her fashionista style!
Thelma’s biggest love and passion though, was for her family. Boy, she sure loved all of us! She made time to build, nurture and maintain relationships with so many of us, even spread as far and wide as we all are. We were all so important to her and she let us know with her continued presence in our lives and her genuine interest and curiosity about us and our families.
Thelma will be sorely missed not only by her family but by her many dear friends. She made deep and lasting connections with so many people in her life and her legacy lives on in each one of us.
All are welcome to attend the memorial lunch in remembrance of Thelma on August 29, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Marshall McLuhan Hall, University of Manitoba. Kindly confirm your attendance by emailing crystaldawnsteele@hotmail.com.
Thelma believed in a world where women’s voices were heard, their rights protected, and education is accessible to all. To honour her legacy, please consider supporting a cause close to her heart - such as women’s shelters, scholarships for women, or organizations promoting gender equality.
Rest in power, Thelma!
A Photo Biography honouring Thelma’s life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 16, 2025
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I knew Thelma through the Winnipeg Business and Professional Club where generations of women were able to share their experiences in the workplace and supported others through equality in their chosen professions and businesses. It’s hard to believe that so much was accomplished and yet there is so much more to do. Thelma was tireless in having that happen and the world is poorer without her. - Posted by: Anna Coulter (Przybylo) (aquaintance) on: Aug 30, 2025
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I was very sorry to hear that Thelma had passed away. She was an inspiration to many of us and I enjoyed working with her on different projects over the years. My sincere condolences to her friends and family. Dianne - Posted by: Dianne Beaven (worked with Thelma on projects) on: Aug 18, 2025
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I work with Thelma for many years at the University of Manitoba. She was always pleasant and a joy to work with. Good bye Thelma ... we will see at the heaven reunion some day soon. - Posted by: Gary Alderson (Coworker) on: Aug 16, 2025
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Thelma was my favorite person. I was a caregiver for her a longtime! Condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Cynthia Cobb (Caregiver) on: Aug 16, 2025
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Rest in peace Chief. It was a hell of a ride! - Posted by: Jack Hermiston (Colleague) on: Aug 15, 2025
