Obituary of Thelma Jane Stewart

December 13, 1926 - Moosomin, Saskatchewan

June 6, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Thelma Stewart, much-loved matriarch of the Stewart family, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the age of 96 years.

Thelma grew up in Grande Prairie, where she excelled in school while also learning from her parents the traits and values that would shape her special personality: kindness, selflessness, the importance of family, determination, a tireless work ethic, and a strong sense of responsibility. The close-knit Riley family moved to Vancouver in 1939. After high school, Thelma worked in a bank until she married Ralph in 1947. Thelma and Ralph started their own family in Vancouver, eventually moving to Calgary.

Due to Mom’s caring nature, the Stewart family home was a warm and welcoming place for all. The smell of freshly baked bread and cookies often greeted visitors. Mom was interested in everything and everyone, loved a good chat and always took time for in-depth conversation.

With a constant focus to look after her family, Mom worked on a part-time basis at the CIBC data centre for 23 years, until her retirement in 1991. However, Mom would still find time to write cards and letters in her beautiful handwriting, never forgetting a birthday. She also gardened, knit, played a competitive game of Scrabble, and played the piano. Mom loved music. She also enjoyed watching Jeopardy and good old classic movies.

Mom loved learning all her life. She picked up and retained a wealth of knowledge from every resource available to her. Mom had an amazing memory until her final years.

Thelma was predeceased by her loving husband of 58 years Ralph, her parents Hazel and Charlie Riley; her sisters Doreen, Beth, and Joyce; and her infant brothers Wilmer and Alan.

She is survived by her sister Edna, her five children, Wendy, Charlie (Jackie), David (Diana), Marlene (Graham), and Ken (Gina); her seven grandchildren, Christie (Brad), Nicole (Bill), Stewart (Kim), Michael (Sarah), Jessica (Tyler), Elizabeth (Daniel), and Catherine; her four great-grandchildren, Riley (Brittany), Sarah, Ella, and Mason; her great-great-grandson Ryker, her sister-in-law Stella; and several nieces and nephews.

The Stewart family thanks all the staff at the George Boyack Care Centre and the many care aides from Nurse Next Door that assisted in Mom’s care over the last few years.

Respecting Mom’s wishes, no formal service will be held, and flowers are gratefully declined.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Thelma Stewart, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.