Thelma Mae Anderson

Mum was a first generation Canadian, of British heritage, which she was very proud of. Born in Nanaimo BC into a coal mining family, she moved as a young child with her parents and sister Doreen, to Number 8 mine, then on to Cumberland BC. She was raised there until she graduated high school. She was chosen as May Queen in 1946.

Mum left Cumberland as a young woman to pursue her training as a registered nurse at St Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, graduating in 1952. Mum had a calling for nursing, and especially loved working in the operating room. After graduation, Mum moved to Port Alberni to be with her cousin Betty and Aunt Eva. She worked at Woodwards store for a short time before her first job as a Registered nurse at the very first West Coast General Hospital. She was a compassionate and skilled nurse, who influenced many of her children and grandchildren to pursue careers in fields of service.

Mum hadn’t lived in Port Alberni long, when she met our Dad, John Anderson, on a blind date, and married not long after in 1954. Together they raised 9 children. She was a stay-at-home mum for a number of years, and then returned to the work force later in her life to work for many years as a nurse for Dr. Harry Webster, who she admired greatly.

Mum was a private lady, who was very proud of her family. She loved the finer things in life, adored dogs, loved her garden, reading, and was an excellent cook. She was known in the family for her love of nice shoes. She was classy, independent, stoic, valued honesty, had a quick wit and a great sense of humour. Mum never left the house without being put together and encouraged us to do the same. When we were not up to her standards, her straightforwardness was one of her defining traits. She spoke her mind, particularly if your clothes, shoes, or hair was not as it should be!

Mum loved the sanctuary of her home and garden, listening to the birds and watching the deer resting under her trees. Mum spent a lot of time every summer over the years at the family cabin at Sproat lake. Mums love for the lake and family time spent there has lasting memories.

Mum was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Florence Easterbrook, husband John Anderson (1985) and Son Rodney Anderson (2016)

Thelma is survived by her children: Patti Leroux (Michael), Brent Anderson (Sharon), Daughter -in-law Tracey Anderson, Marnie Platen (Tony), Drew Anderson (Andrea) , Brook Anderson (Melanie), Laurie Arthurs (Gary), Robin Dube (Wayne), Julie Anderson (Gio).

She is survived by 21 Grandchildren: Alex Leroux, Adam Leroux, Sarah Waldriff, Ryan Anderson, James Anderson, Katie Anderson, Kendall Anderson, Chase Anderson, Andy Geelan, Laura Chase, Jenny Erskine, Anton Platen, Haley Anderson, Tia Anderson, Briana Anderson, Bryce Arthurs, Meghan Arthurs, Shelby Sim, Diana Bouchard, Lauren Gibson, John Dube;

17 Great Grandchildren, her sister Doreen Loor, cousin Betty Kleven, and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Over the last four years Mum was provided care by family and caregivers to fulfill her wish to stay in her own home. We are all very grateful for her excellent care.

Special mention to caregivers Lauren Gibson (granddaughter) , Jaymie Morris, Jen Price, and Nikita Schute.

Thank You to Dr Lund, Mum adored you and was grateful for all of the laughs and the care you provided her over the years.

Thank you to Steve Connah, a lifelong friend who cut mum's hair for many years to make her look great, even coming to the house in her last few years when she couldn’t go out.

We love you Mum, and will miss you dearly.

A celebration of life will be at a later date