Thelma Stewart Kulrich

She was predeceased by her mom and dad, David and Evelyn Carnegie, her brother Eric, and her husbands, Melvin Bittner and Kenneth Kulrich.

She is survived by her son Graeme (Debra), two grandchildren, Brooke (Chris) Wasyliw and great grandson Wesley, and Kierra.

Thelma was born in Glasgow, Scotland on January 9, 1941. She attended Glasgow High School for Girls, and Jordanhill College of Education, in Scotland.

Before she became a teacher, she was a Student Laboratory Technician at the Royal College of Science and Technology in Glasgow. Her interests in Scotland included swimming, field hockey, sailing, and skiing. She spent many of her summers in Germany and Norway visiting with her friends. She came to teach in Leask in 1966 with Agnes Watier.

Thelma married Melvyn Bittner from Leask on July 1, 1967. They both attended the University of Saskatchewan and taught in the Northwest Territories until they returned to Leask, SK in 1975 so that Melvyn could assist his dad on the family farm. Thelma taught on Muskeg Lake Reserve, in Shell Lake and Shellbrook from 1976 to 1981, then in Leask. During this time, they enjoyed socializing with family and friends.

Thelma and Melvyn had one son, Eric Graeme Bittner, born on May 13, 1970.

They taught and farmed in Leask until Melvyn’s sudden death on August 11, 1981. The years following Melvyn’s death were very difficult for Thelma and Graeme. They remained in Leask, largely due to the support of Melvyn’s family and friends in the community.

On October 8, 1988, Thelma married Kenneth Kulrich and moved to Shellbrook. She later taught in Shellbrook High School. Ken and Thelma traveled extensively to many places: Mexico, Arizona, Scotland, Hungary, Vietnam and across Canada. They fell in love with the Algarve in Portugal, travelling to many areas of Spain.

Thelma and Ken moved to Saskatoon in around 1995 where they resided until Kenneth’s passing on April 4, 2014.

In 2018, Thelma made the choice to move into The Village in Stonebridge where she resided until her passing. Thelma enjoyed the independence but also the connection and met some wonderful people who became her second family.

Thelma had many interests in her life. She was an avid reader, skier, and lifelong learner. Thelma’s love by far was swimming. She joined the Masters swimming club in Prince Albert and was awarded medals at various provincial, national, and even the World’s Master’s games.

Thelma never lost her childhood connection and pride in her home country of Scotland. She liked to tell stories about her experiences and what life was like for her growing up. She kept in close touch with many of her relatives and enjoyed her return trips to visit her homeland.

By far Thelma’s greatest love was for her son Graeme. She absolutely adored him and loved it when he listened and asked questions about her life. They had a special connection with one another.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Thelma’s honor at Mourning Glory-Acadia McKague’s Funeral Chapel on Monday, June 19, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00pm. The program will start at 2:00 and will be followed by afternoon tea. All of Thelma’s family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Society of Canada or the Saskatoon Forestry Farm.