Thelma Edith Scotland

From a Saskatchewan farm girl to the big city life of Vancouver, Thelma was gutsy. Working at downtown Woodwards restaurant, She could stretch a roast beef to feed the city and was asked to not slice it so thin as to see the flower design on the plates.

She and her sister, Agnes, were the best of friends and both married ‘Don’s , who were also best friends. And, the boys were musicians in a C&W band! As well, she and her Rosevalley friend boldly made their own record, singing Lonesome Valley Sally.

Mom had many adventures with her new in-laws, all living in the big house and basement at Joyce & Kingsway. She forged long lasting friendships with new her brothers- and sisters-in-law and all loved and admired the wisdom and care of her in-law parents.

Mom’s parents left the farm in Saskatchewan for Surrey, to be closer to their girls and after the brothers came home from the war, all joining with more family. Everyone got along so well.

As families grew, they branched out into their own homes, but all stayed close and we had many big, mixed family get togethers. We had gatherings at Bear Creek Park, White Rock, Crescent Beach, and Stanley Park, as well as at our homes. The antic adventures continued with my mom usually at the centre.

She named our little chihuahua, Pedro Rodriguez, Gonzales Scotland, a name way bigger than his size, but that fit his personality. He used to dance for her to share her cup of coffee every morning.

Mom also mothered 2 little foster sisters and delivered our neighbour’s baby brother.

Later, she would take us and neighbourhood kids to Old Dutch Windmill with Ron Maurier’s wrestling tv shows, and to early morning fishing at Langley Bar, White Rock pier, and even Qualicum Beach.

She went to locally filmed tv game shows, appearing on Let’s Make a Deal! Mom loved playing the newspaper and radio scavenger hunt games ever seeking a fortune and a chance meeting with Pat Burns or Tony Parsons.

As we three kids grew, mom decided she needed a break and went to work at the Burnaby General Hospital. She also really wanted to have pocket money to go to Reno. She went on many bus trips, with family, friends, and made new friends as a solo bus traveller. She really wasn’t afraid to do much. She had a natural talent for making, fixing, and repairing things of interest to her. She was the first female driver in the clan, equipped with her heels to throw up the hood, tap the solenoid and get the car started.

As life continued to expand, her first batch of grandchildren and great grandchildren blossomed, including twins.

Time went on and mom and I worked together upholstering and designing for our rattan furniture business. She taught me a lot and had no fear of using tools and machinery of any kind.

Another of her talents included oil painting. She sold many of her works and again, she inspired my brother and I to dabble, then her brother took to the brushes!

Coming toward retirement, she thought she could have more Reno trips and play time. But no. Along came 2 more grandchildren who brought different kinds of child minding, excitement and challenges.

As with all the family & dear friend-families over the years, mom welcomed everyone and was always there to help and share. It was in her Norwegian nature and upbringing.

In her later years, she enjoyed watching her newest great-grandchildren playing outside her window and recently, looked forward to their visits at her care home. She loved them dearly and trusted them as they carefully took turns lovingly pushing her in her wheelchair.

Mom was talented, creative, accepting, forgiving, determined, comical, generous to a fault, always tried to make the best of everything and to see the best in everyone.

There are so very many anecdotes that can be shared, involving so many people and loved ones. Well, now she gets to continue her antics as she meets up with dad and other close, loving friends and family. Keep them laughing, Phyllis, (Diller 😉) as we know you will, and keep your eyelashes out of the Grand Master’s banquet food! 😘

Thelma Edith

(nee Lende) Scotland,

January 14, 1931-March 17, 2024

Now reunited and continually spreading joy and smiles.

In her honour, she requested smiles, and donations to BC Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes, or to the SPCA.