Obituary of THOMAS – Annie

March 30, 1926 – March 21, 2011 Annie Thomas (nee Romaniuk) of Edmonton, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2011 at the age of 84 years. Annie was born in Edmonton where she became a very active member for fifty years of Beulah Alliance Church. Her powerful and living faith informed every aspect of her life. She was unwavering in her devotion to and belief in the Lord and she met every one of life’s challenges with courage and grace. She worked for CN Rail as an investigator for many years but her true passion was her family, friends, her garden, cooking, socializing and entertaining. Friends and family would often drop in unannounced but never unwelcome. Her weekly brunches with friends were an ongoing and important part of her life. Her amazing ability as a cook and baker was demonstrated daily with elaborate and delicious meals produced seemingly effortlessly. Annie loved to travel and went on over twenty cruises with family ranging from Alaska to Europe and beyond. Every spring Annie would begin work anew on her planning her magnificent backyard garden, lovingly planting and tending the flowers. Annie was an extremely humble, gentle and compassionate woman. Her grace, dignity, kindness and love affected all those fortunate enough to enter her life. Annie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Charlie; son and daughter-in-law, David (boicuk) and Frances and their sons, Noah and Erwang. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Piska and Alice Romaniuk; sister-in-law Nancy Romaniuk; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. Annie was predeceased by her mother Nettie; father Daniel; and brother Alec Romaniuk. Special thanks go to the amazing, loving, compassionate staff at the Mount Royal Care Center, Calgary, where Annie resided for the last four years of her life. She quickly became a beloved member of the MRCC family. Annie, who was always a late night person, would go on rounds with the nurses late at might, tucking in other residents and wishing them a good night. She would then retire to the office and help with paper work. Annie loved music and would often dance with the nurses to music from a small CD player when the other residents were in bed. Annie loved flowers and floral tributes would be dearly welcomed. If friends and family so desire, memorial tributes in Annie’s honour may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 4K1, Telephone: 1-866-950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca. Funeral Services will be held at Park Memorial Funeral Home in Edmonton (9709 – 111 Avenue, Edmonton, AB) on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Annie Thomas, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.