WESTMAN (NEE GILBERT), Thelma Jeanette
1928-2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thelma Jeanette Gilbert Westman aged 88 on December 8th, 2016 at the CHUS Hotel Dieu in Sherbrooke, Quebec after a short illness. Thelma was born in Bishopton, Quebec on August 17th, 1928, the daughter of Ralph Gilbert and Verlie Kenney.
Thelma began her long and successful teaching career as soon as she finished high school. Her first position, at the age of sixteen, was teaching five students in a one room schoolhouse in Erle, Quebec. After teaching there for two years, Thelma attended MacDonald College to get her teacher's certificate. Subsequently, Thelma taught in many different towns including Baie Comeau, East Angus and Bury. Returning to school herself, Thelma graduated from Bishop's University with a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in French in 1969. Following graduation, Thelma took a position at Richmond Regional High School where she finished her thirty year teaching career.
In addition to her profession, Thelma was active in a number of community organizations including the United Church Women, the Quebec-Sherbrooke Presbytery, the Richmond Melbourne Historical Society, Canadian Club and the Canadian Federation of University Women, holding various positions in all of these organizations. Her involvement with the CFUW led to her being an integral part of the publication Days to Remember: One Room Schoolhouses in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.
Never one to be bored, Thelma was always doing something interesting. She had a lifelong interest in sewing and painting but also took Spanish lessons, enjoyed her book club, joined the Golden Agers, did Aquafit and belonged to a creative writing group. If there was some new activity to try, Thelma was always ready to join in. Her enthusiasm and joie de vivre were evident to all.
Thelma will be greatly missed by her daughter Summer, her son Daron, her son-in-law Gerry Filgiano, and her three beloved grandchildren Carolyn, Greg and Tom, as well as her many nieces and nephews.
Thelma's family would like to thank the staff of the Manoir St-Francis, the Wales Home and the CHUS Hotel Dieu for all the support and kindness they showed Thelma during her stays. The attentive care she received from all was much appreciated.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 17th from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the Lennoxville United Church at the corner of Church and Queen Streets, followed immediately by the funeral service led by Reverend Linda Buchanan at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (www.Alzheimer.ca) would be welcomed.
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