Thelma Olsen was born in Summerside, Lot 16, on Prince Edward Island on February 2, 1925, Groundhog Day, to Sydney and Isabelle Birch. She had nine siblings. Thelma's mother passed away at a very early age and that event initiated young Thelma to take over many of the family's household chores.
During the Second World War and at age eighteen, Thelma was employed at the Airforce Base in Summerside, PEI as a waitress in the Officer's mess. After the war ended, Thelma moved to British Columbia to help her brother and family. In 1945 Thelma was employed in the dietary kitchen of Royal Columbian Hospital where she remained working for over fifteen years.
Thelma married Norman Olsen on June 23, 1951. They bought a house in Sapperton beside Hume Park where Thelma remained for the rest of her days, over 72 years. Thelma became very involved with doing volunteer work for a few organizations, like Meals on Wheels, and was also an Honorary member of the Sapperton Seniors. Thelma and Norm always kept their hearts and front door open for any family crisis which arose and made sure that family and friends remained safe and connected.
Thelma and Norm had one son, Danny, and one foster child, Brent. Brent passed away in 1979 at the age of eighteen from a motorcycle accident. Thelma kept a close connection with all her siblings, who gave Thelma many dear nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, of whom many were still in very close contact to the last days in McKenney Hospice, Maple Ridge. Thelma passed on September 27, 2023, at the age of 98 years.
Thelma was adored by many family members, neighbours, and friends. We all will miss her kind, loving, and generous ways. Thelma would like to acknowledge her loving son Danny, her daughter-in-law Stephanie, her two grandchildren, Nathan, and Sarah, their spouses Shelley Olsen and Mat Cunningham, and four great grandchildren: Gavin, Genavieve, Elby, and Isla. She would also like to give special heartfelt thanks and acknowledgement to her nieces Sylvie, Debbie, Bev, and Charlene, plus her many friends and neighbours, especially Ken and Kathy, and to all those who gave so much care, time, and support over the years.
A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at Sapperton Pensioners Hall, 218 Keary St, New Westminster, BC, V3L 3L2, on Saturday, 4th November 2023 at 12:00pm.