November 19, 2018
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our mother Renee' Thomas. She passed away peacefully on November 19, surrounded by her family. Renee' was predeceased by her husband of 61 years Peter. She is survived by her loving children Mary, Colin (Lori), Rema (John), Nadia (Rene), her precious grandchildren Daniel, Peter, Kyle (Laura), Dustin, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends around the world.
Renee' was born in Palestine in 1935 and spent her early years in Amman, Jordan. It there she met Peter and after their marriage moved to England where she lived until 1969. She came to Canada and lived in Grande Cache until 1983. She moved to Nanaimo and lived there until moving to Edmonton in 2016.
Throughout her life her generous heart and spirit found her involved in the community and various charities. She was heavily involved in the Red Cross and an active member of the Lions. She served as Zone Chairman for the Hub City Lions Club, where one of her favourite projects was Camp Shawinigan.
Renee' loved to travel, was an excellent seamstress, and enjoyed cooking, entertaining and organizing charitable events. She loved and cared for people from all walks of life and became "mom" to many. She enjoyed dressing up and always had the perfect outfit or costume for every occasion. Her laughter and silliness was infectious. She touched so many people's lives and embraced all who knew her as family.
Without a doubt her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren; no words could ever express the deep love she had for them. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will be with us forever.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Society of BC or the Lions Foundation of Canada.
A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, December 15, 11:00 am in the chapel of First Memorial Funeral Services - 1720 Bowen Road, Nanaimo.
