Theresa Janice Lowther

Born in Txałgiiw (Hartley Bay), BC.

Life Story:

Born in Txałgiiw (Hartley Bay) BC, Theresa spent her early years immersed in the vibrant community before her family relocated to Prince Rupert, BC. It was there that she built a loving home with her husband, Ralph Lowther, and together they raised their children.

Theresa endured the hardships of the assimilation school programs and came from humble beginnings. These experiences deeply influenced her generous nature, ensuring that her children and grandchildren never went without. Her warmth and unwavering commitment to family became a cornerstone of her life, as she worked tirelessly to create a nurturing and supportive environment for those she loved.

Theresa was also a steadfast steward of the Ts’msyen people’s culture, knowledge, legends, and traditions. She was deeply committed to preserving and sharing the heritage of her people, ensuring that their stories, values, and practices would not only survive but thrive in the hearts of future generations.

Theresa was a distinguished teacher, a devoted matriarch, and a creative artisan. Her passion for textiles was legendary, with her abundant collection of wool and materials reflecting her love for crafting. Family and friends could always count on a lovingly handmade toque or a cozy blanket at Christmas, a testament to her generosity and the care she poured into every stitch.

Throughout her life, Theresa had diverse and meaningful careers beginning in fish canneries as a student before moving to banking, then insurance before fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She retired from teaching, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, dedication, and care for her students and community.

Theresa’s memory will forever live in the hearts of those she loved, those who loved her, and the many lives she touched through her teachings, resilience, creativity, and dedication to her community and heritage.

Predeceased by:

Theresa is predeceased by her parents, Susan Margaret and Edward Frank Bolton; her uncle Perry Simon Reece; and her siblings Wilfred Bolton, Frank Bolton, Patrick Bolton, Orlando Bolton, and Alvin Bolton.

Survived by:

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Ralph Lowther; her children, Vanessa Lowther-Davis (Neil), Stephen Lowther (Courtenay), Calvin Wii Sm’ooygit Lowther (Laura), Wayne Lowther, and Sheldon Lowther (Valerie), her cherished grandchildren; her siblings, Matthew Bolton, Phyllis Bolton, Bernice Bolton, and Lorraine Bolton.

Service Information:

A Memorial Service will be held in Prince Rupert in Spring 2025, where family and friends will gather to honour Theresa’s remarkable life, legacy, and her contributions to the preservation of the Ts’msyen Nation’s culture.

A donation in Theresa Lowther’s memory may be made to Victoria Hospice or BC Cancer Foundation.