Thelma (Sturwold) Reitsma

With heavy hearts, we sadly announce that our wonderful, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on January 12th, 2025, in her 96th year, surrounded by the loving embrace of her family.  Left to mourn are her three sons and daughter: Wayne (Nelly), Darcy (Denise), Debbie (Dave), and Todd (Moira).  Also mourning her passing are her beloved sister Janet (Jack) and sister-in-law Helen (Stan).  Nana will be missed by her grandchildren: Aleena (Daniel), Thomas (Pepie), Justin (Leslie), Shanda (Darin), Joel (Angela), Dorian, Marc (Karolina), Terrence (Jacqueline) and Danielle; and by her great-grandchildren: Adrian, Jack, Spencer, Avery, Xaidyn, Soryn, Ottli, Blake and Luke.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, Harry, her four sisters Pauline (Jim), Margaret (Jack), Lou (Art), Ruby (Cavie), her two brothers Lucas (Annie), Jacob (Tina) , sisters-in-law Sadie (Pete) and Anna, and brother-in-law Stan. She was also predeceased by her grandson, Brent.

Mom was born on a farm in Neerlandia, Alberta, to Dutch immigrants. She and her youngest sister Janet were very close, and Mom delayed her high school graduation so they could graduate together in Barrhead, Alberta.  During her last year of high school, Mom (nicknamed "Toffy"), was voted Ice Carnival Queen in February 1949.  Moving to Edmonton, Mom enrolled in the nursing school at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1952, and was awarded “Best Operating Nurse”.  She had found her calling and absolutely loved nursing. She survived the polio epidemic of 1953 where she worked on the polio wards at the Royal Alex.  In subsequent years, she worked in the operating rooms and the maternity wards at hospitals in Timmons and Sudbury, and finally with veterans at the National Defense Medical Centre in Ottawa.

In 1954, her heart heeded another calling, and she boarded a train to Ontario to begin a new chapter in her life journey. She married “My Handsome Harry”, also from Neerlandia, who was an RCMP officer stationed in Timmins.  In 1955 son Wayne arrived, followed by a surprise—twins Darcy and Debbie, born in Sudbury 18 months later. Born in Ottawa, Todd completed the family in 1960.  In 1967, Dad was transferred to Edmonton, and the family embarked on a mid-winter cross-country drive west to Alberta. With four young children and a cat, it was quite the adventure!  In the following years, Mom was always steadfast alongside Dad.  After Dad retired from the RCMP, they owned and managed a hotel in Nanton, opened a meat shop in Edmonton, and then co-owned and operated, with dear friends George & Elsie, a car wash in Vernon, BC. Here they welcomed their children's growing families every summer and Christmas, creating lifelong memories.

Mom was quite the cook, and we all loved her Dutch ‘health’ bread, pea soup, bean soup, apple pie, raisin pie, and cinnamon buns.  In addition, her artistic talents shone through in every corner of her home. Whether she was building shelves, painting, stenciling, or wallpapering, her creativity transformed every space. She crafted beautiful quilts, intricate cross-stitched and embroidered pictures, and lovingly knitted countless mittens. We are truly blessed to cherish the lasting legacy of her artistry.

Mom had a strong, quiet faith that guided her through life. "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."  Over many years, Mom and the ladies at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vernon, created and donated many quilts, mittens and scarves for newborns, and for Women’s Transition House Society.

In her youth, Mom enjoyed playing softball, and she loved sports of all kinds, including hockey, baseball, and football.  Mom and Dad had season tickets and supported the early '80s Oilers hockey team.  A favorite memory of hers was Darcy skipping school to join her in cheering on Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series.

In 2017, Mom and Dad moved from Vernon to Calgary, where Dad passed 15 months later.  Mom missed him immensely.  With family support, she persevered through numerous health challenges.  During these too few remaining years, she blessed us with her smile, subtle humour, and gentle countenance that endeared her to many.

Rest in peace Mom.

You’ll remain “Forever in Our Hearts”.

Our heartfelt thanks to the all the medical, health care aides, and support staff at McKenzie Towne Retirement Residence. We deeply appreciate the patience, kindness and care she received from each and every one of you.

God saw you getting tired,

And a cure was not to be.

So He put his arms around you and

whispered, "Come to me."

A golden heart stopped beating,

Hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove us,

He only takes the Best.

The family will hold a private ceremony for Mom. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Hope for Dementia society (https://hopefordementia.org) would be appreciated.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thelma (Sturwold) Reitsma, please visit our Tree Store.