Mary Elizabeth Winks Thompson

Mary Elizabeth Thompson (nee Winks) passed away peacefully on December 6, 2010 at the age of 88 with her family by her side. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her three children Arnold (Maureen), Kenneth (Dianne) and Heather (Ken); her four grandchildren, Shaunna, Joey, Twila and Jamie and her eight great grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by the love of her life, Archie (1978), her granddaughter, Lisa (1979) her grandson, Ryan (2001) and her sisters Elsie Everett and Violet Sharp.

A Funeral Service will be held at SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE, 12700 Macleod Trail South, (at Lake Fraser Gate) Calgary on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. The family would like to encourage honouring Mary by making a donation to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada at 1-800-567-8767 (www.bcsc.ca). Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca

MY MOM’S THREE PRECIOUS GIFTS

Tribute by Heather

Thank you for helping my family and I remember and honour Mom.

Everyone who knew Mom, knew how generous she was. The gifts she gave were always from the heart but the ones that really mattered was her time, her love and her friendship.

I am grateful for all the gifts and memories that Mom has given me however there are three very special gifts that I will cherish the most.

The first gift was given to me 52 years ago tomorrow, December 16th, when my Mom and Dad adopted me. At six months old I was given the gift of family. I grew up with parents and brothers who loved and protected me. I also grew up thinking that adoption was just another way to have a baby – I was no more or no less special than my brothers. Well, that’s not quite true – I was, after all, the baby sister.

Growing up, Mom always talked about how nice it would be if I could meet my Natural Mother. She always felt bad about my natural mother not knowing who or where I was. Every time she mentioned it, I would tell her that I was not interested in looking – Her, Dad and my brothers were my family.

After I turned 18, Mom started to “push” the idea of finding my Natural Mother a little more….I resisted a little more…she pushed harder, I resisted, ignored and continued to argue that she was my Mom and I didn’t need to find another mother. This went on for about 9 years…and yes, even though I am adopted, I inherited a few characteristics from my mom – blond hair, fair skin and a strong will.

I finally relented and sent a letter to all the Hemmings in Manitoba – Hemming is my birth name. I went to see Mom that day to let her know that I had finally done what she wanted and she could now quit bugging me about it. She just smiled.

Five days after sending the letters, I received a call from my natural mother’s sister, Edie Morgan. Aunty Edie made arrangements for me to contact my Natural Mother, Bea. When I told Mom my natural family had contacted me, she was ecstatic. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to meet Bea but I was able to let her know that she did the best thing for me – I was brought up in a loving and safe home.

This brings me to the second special gift Mom gave me. Mom gave me the love of a sister. Mom had sent Bea a photo album with pictures of me growing up. She also included my contact information. About four years after my initial contact my natural family, Bea passed away and my sister, Brenda found the album and contacted me. Since that first phone call, we have been as close as two sisters can be – she is my best friend.

The third and final gift Mom gave me was very recent. For my entire life I have been afraid of my own mortality and what death might look like. In Mom’s last moments, she taught me that death is not the end and that there is really nothing to be frightened of. Although I can no longer go to visit her, take her for walks or tell her about my grandchildren, she is very much a part of my day. I no longer remember her as being old, or sick or even dying. Now when I think of Mom, I see her dancing with my Dad decked out in her vibrant dresses, jewellery, scarves and shoes. She is finally back in the arms of the man she loved so much.

Thank you again for being here and for your support.

_______________________________________

TO OUR MOTHER

Tribute by Arnold

Yes you struggled at death.

You struggled when you lived in the nursing home.

You struggled after you suffered your stroke.

But before that was a life you enjoyed with dignity.

Whenever possible you were dressed to the nines from your hair being done to makeup to jewellery to some of the fanciest clothes you could afford. Mom always looked nice. Friends would always comment on how well she was dressed.

After Archie, Mary’s husband and our father passed away, Mom stepped out of her shell. She went out to South Centre Shopping Centre and found a job – of course in a dress shop. These were not jobs but something she loved to do. May friends came from her time at South Centre.

She got a driver license. Mom was not a great driver but did well. We often laugh when we heard the story of Mom being stopped by the police for possible drinking and driving. She was not drinking, just driving a little different. No tickets - just more driving experience needed.

Mom’s best time came with Dad. Whether it was driving to Eden, Manitoba to visit dad’s Mom every second weekend or watching curling every night and every weekend (sometime as many as 12 games per week). Our dad was an avid curler and that provided great enjoyment for Mom and Dad but not necessarily for us - but we still enjoyed.

Mom and Dad were always there for us to help us grow. Mom, we all missed Dad when he passed on. Mom, we do miss you.

Thank you Mom for being that great cook, the many Thanksgivings, Easters and your speciality, Christmas. Thank you for showing us daily the value of family and friendship. Thank you for all the sacrifices, heartaches, loneliness, tears and frustrations that you so selfishly endured.

Mom – Thank you and we will miss you.