Obituary of Thelma Lysay
Thelma Isabel Lysay, nee Hood, passed away suddenly after a brief illness on Saturday August 17th 2024, surrounded by family.
Thelma was born in Kelliher, Saskatchewan on April 3rd, 1943, to farming parents George and Margery Hood. She had six siblings – sisters Jean, Doreen, Audrey, Vera and Ida and brother Vern.
She spent her primary school years at Johnson School, and then attended Kelliher School, graduating in 1962. She went on to complete her training as a Licensed Practical Nurse. During her time at nursing training, she met and fell in love with a young man named William “Willie” John Lysay, who was from nearby Leross.
The young couple wed in 1966, settling on the Lysay homestead south of Leross, Saskatchewan and had three children – Glenda, Aaron, and Georgia. Sadly, Willie passed suddenly in 1975, five months before the birth of their youngest daughter Georgia.
With the support of her family and friends, Thelma managed to overcome the tragic loss of her young husband and focused on raising her three kids as a single mother. She was dedicated to them and was very active in community activities leading the Crosthwaite 4-H club, coaching fastball, and volunteering with the Agricultural Society.
Thelma eventually went back into nursing and remained in the medical field until her retirement.
Thelma loved to socialize and attend family events. She loved playing and watching curling and kept gardens of vegetables and many flowers. She was a consummate music lover, her favorite artist being Daniel O’Donnell, and saw him live in concert numerous times.
Thelma was loved by her family and friends, and her sly wit and funny stories were always the centerpiece of gatherings.
Thelma was predeceased by her husband Willie, her brother Vern, her beloved parents, and her sister Jean only weeks ago.
Thelma leaves behind her children Glenda (Barry), Aaron (Susan), and Georgia (Garnet), grandchildren Cody (Lisa), Wyatt, Levi (Kendi), AJ, and Adria, and great grandchildren April, William, Lexi, Miller, and Ellie. She is survived by her sisters, Doreen (Joe) Lekach, Audrey Brennan, Vera (Norval) Budd, Ida (Elmer) Faye; sister-in-law Alexandria Melnyk and numerous nieces & nephews.
Memorials in memory of Thelma may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society (donorservice@mscanada.ca) or MS Canada 250 Dundas Street West, Suite 500 Toronto ON, M5T 2Z5 as gifts of remembrance.
