Thelma Jean (Patterson) Fields
December 27, 1922 – June 13, 2011
Peacefully sleeping, resting at last, Thelma Jean Fields passed away Monday, June 13, 2011 at the Boundary Trails Health Centre.
She will be deeply missed by her daughters Valerie Jean Watt and husband Jeffrey of Roland, MB and Lorraine Gaye Smith and husband Robin of Hillsdale, ON as well as three precious granddaughters, Bailey Lauren Watt, Camille Riley Smith and Simone Carmen Smith. She also leaves to mourn her sister Gladys and husband Herbert Wagar of Sturgis, SK; sister Elaine Pepple of Kelowna, BC; brother Blake Patterson of Kincardine, ON; dear friend Nettie Heinrichs of Winkler, MB; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins, all of whom were always dear to her. She was predeceased by her husband William Raymond Fields; son Raymond Craig Fields (Peggy Kirk); her parents; sisters Dorothy Patterson, Lorraine Patterson, Hazel and her husband Richard Balfour; sister-in-law Kathleen and her husband Murray McCallum; sister-in-law Georgina and her husband Earl Buie; and brother-in-law Mervyn Pepple.
Thelma was born in Roland on December 27, 1922 to Carman Edward and Laura Mildred (Hodgson) Patterson. She received her education in Roland after which she worked in the Royal Bank. She joined the Air Force during World War II and was stationed in Brandon.
On October 2, 1946 Thelma married Raymond at Roland and together they lived, worked and raised their children on the family farm. During this time they were involved in various church and community activities. Always enjoying traveling, Thelma and Raymond continued to do so after retirement in 1986 meeting people from all walks of life. Their last ten winters together were spent mainly in Weslaco, TX among friends who became like family to them.
In 1997, Thelma moved to Crocus Village in Winkler, MB. She loved her condo and enjoyed the company of many new friends she made during those fourteen years. There she worked tirelessly on genealogy research for the Roland Fairview Cemetery. Her most passionate hobby though was her family history, a labour of love she pursued up until her final few days.
A 'Celebration of Life' Memorial Service was held in the Roland United Church on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Chuck Ross & Shirley McLaren officiating. Niece Marilyn Harris eloquently delivered 'Words of Remembrance'. A private family service of interment followed at Fairview Cemetery after which everyone was welcomed for a time of fellowship and sharing at the Memorial Hall.
Memorial donations in Thelma's name may be made to a charity of one's choice.
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