January 25, 2019
Thelma Ruth Denninger (nee Thompson) passed away peacefully at Dufferin Place, Nanaimo on January 25 at the age of 90.
Thelma is survived by her children Marlene (Barry), Clair (Joan), Fred (Anne), Tom (Pinder), Brian (Sandra), 13 grandchildren and 15 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip in 1995.
Thelma was born on October 21 in Mayerthorpe, Alberta. She graduated from Normal School in 1947 and immediately began teaching in rural Alberta schools. She married Phil, her childhood sweetheart in 1950. They began a family and then moved to Lake Cowichan in 1956 where they lived for 31 years, contributing to the community and completing their family. Always the schoolmarm, she lovingly nurtured her own children and hundreds of preschoolers for many years. On retirement Thelma and Phil relocated to Parksville.
Thelma was a great conversationalist who had a real zest for life. She was an active and dedicated member of Scouts Canada and the United Church, giving countless volunteer hours to both organizations. Dementia robbed her of many things in her later years but never her sweet nature and her deep sense of gratitude for all the blessing in her life.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Thelma will rest beside her beloved Phil in Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Dufferin Place for their care.