MARGARET THELMA SYMONS

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MARGARET THELMA SYMONS Mrs. Margaret Thelma Symons of Pinawa, Man. passed away on March 23, 2000, peacefully, at the Pinawa Hospital, after a seven month struggle with leukemia. She was born Margaret Thelma Leary on March 16, 1922 on a homestead in Saskatchewan. After the loss of her father to ALS, at age three, she and her mother Mabel moved to Major, Saskatchewan, where she completed school. At age 14, she suffered the loss of her 18 year old sister, Vimy, to measles. After completing high school, she graduated from Normal School in Saskatoon and taught in one-room country schools until marrying her husband, Cale Symons in 1952. Living in Weyburn, Regina, North Battleford, Brandon, Thunder Bay and Winnipeg throughout their careers, gave Thelma and Cale the chance to form many rewarding and long lasting friendships throughout the west. Her greatest joy and mission in life was in work as a caregiver to her children, and later her grandchildren for whom her devotion was immeasurable. She also worked tirelessly caring for her mother Mabel, who predeceased her in 1989 and husband Cale who passed away in 1994. In 1997, she moved from Victoria to Pinawa to be closer to family and met many new friends who were a great help and comfort in her illness. Left to cherish her memory are Cameron, Vicki, John and Elizabeth Symons (Pinawa) Kim and Georgia Symons (Vancouver) Caleb and Kathryn Symons (Winnipeg) Beverly and David Girling (Sidney, B.C.) and Pat Shlanka (Vancouver). Her passage was made much richer by the extraordinary care and compassion of the staff at the Pinawa Hospital, Dr. H. Groenewald, Rev. Rob Murray and the support of her dear friends. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel, Beausejour with Rev. Rob Murray officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St. Winnipeg, Man., R3C 2B7 or a charity of your choice. "Lord when Thou seest that my work is done, Let me not linger on with failing powers, As down the weary hours: A workless worker in a world of work; But with a word, just bid me home, and I will come right gladly, Yes, right gladly will I come." Sobering Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, in care of arrangements. Phone: Man. Toll Free 1-877-776-2220 or 204-268-3510.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 25, 2000