THELMA ISABELLA DUDLEY
1927 – 2009
“THELMA” passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 in her “82nd” year.
Born in Nanaimo, B.C. on Friday, August 26th, 1927, the oldest of the five children of Alfred and Thelma Smith. She was predeceased by Gordon, her loving husband of 61 ½ years, on April 4th, 2009; sister Freda Kulai and brother Fred Smith. She is survived by, deeply loved and will be greatly missed by daughter Linda Dudley; son Ron (Gail) Dudley; sister Gertrude Pozzi; brother Bob (Lynne) Smith; her cherished sister-in-law Irene Smith; brothers-in-law Dr. John (Audrey) Dudley, Bob Dudley (Marg Thompson); grandchildren Seth Mennie (Deb Mowatt), Sheri Dudley (Gordon Ritchie), Steve (Alyson) Dudley; great grandchildren Justin Drolet, Tylor Ritchie; and numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives.
THELMA graduated from John Shaw High School in 1946. She led an adventurous, diverse and fulfilling life. Some of her working highlights included Secretary to the Director of Economics and Business Research at Washington State University and Secretary to the Director, Ministry of Environment, Nanaimo. She had a lifelong passion for “paperwork” and travel, second only to her love and devotion to family and friends. Everyone who knew Thelma recognized her love of conversation punctuated by her characteristic laugh. She embraced the Serenity Prayer for life’s challenges. She will be sadly missed and will always have the eternal love, gratitude and respect of her family.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
For those who wish to remember Thelma in a tangible way, consider a donation to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, 102-1801 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 1H1. No flowers by request.
A SERVICE will be held at First Memorial Funeral Home, 1720 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, B.C. at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 8th, 2009.