Thelma Elizabeth Hopkins

Thelma Elizabeth Hopkins passed away on Thursday Jan. 10th In Edmonton, Alberta. She is survived by her children Joanne (Marty), Lynn (Jason), and Tony (Lynn), and her grandchildren Dylan and Lauren. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, Grandma, and friend. The family will be remembering her privately at this time.

Thelma was born in 1936 in northern Ireland. Her children remember her stories about experiencing the Blitz as it fell on Belfast. She remained in Ireland for 29 years and had an extraordinary sports career. Among her accomplishments were

• Commonwealth Games 1954 Gold medal in high jump, silver in long jump

• Olympics Melbourne 1956 Silver High jump

• World Record High Jump May 5, 1956 at Cherryvale Playing Fields on Ravenhill Road height of 5 ft 8.5 inches

• Forward for Ireland's Women's International Field Hockey - played as a forward and won 40 caps.

• Played squash internationally for Ireland

At the end of her sports career she married William Ian McLernon, had her first child and emigrated to Canada. In keeping with her sports nature, she became a lifelong hockey fan.

Also in keeping with her status as role model and fondness for young people, she spent the next decades teaching children's sports, running a daycare center, and providing housing for foreign students.

Thelma also loved animals, and was momma to a succession of fortunate fur babies. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to the World Wildlife Federation and your local SPCA.