Thelma was born and grew up in Niagara Falls, Ontario. She was the second of three children born to Amy Mae and Edward Edwards.
Thelma graduated from Stanford High School, and attended secretarial school in Niagara Falls, Ontario. On September 26, 1953, at the age of 19, Thelma married Richard Stanley Unruh. The couple lived in Niagara Falls and St. Catherines for several years where all four (4) of their children were born.
After their time in the Niagara area the family moved to Toronto, Ontario. During these years, Thelma worked as a secretary with Presbyterian Life Insurance. She was very involved in Sunday School administration, Pioneer Girls, and music at the church the family attended. Thelma also accompanied the family as a pianist as they sang together at churches throughout southern Ontario.
In the early 1970’s the family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba for Richard’s job. Here Thelma worked at Grace Hospital, and later for the Department of Education, Government of Manitoba as an Administrative Assistant. She was always actively involved in church choirs, and the lives of her four very busy children.
After retirement, Richard and Thelma moved to Steinbach, Manitoba where they lived an active retirement life. During these years Thelma was able to enjoy her love of Persian cats, entering her beloved cat Toby into competitions, winning numerous awards. She actively pursued many creative crafts such as petit point, sewing, crocheting, knitting, rug hooking, and embroidery. She had great fun participating in Steinbach Purple Hats Ladies Association, and she was actively involved in the local seniors centre. She loved having her grandchildren for sleepovers.
In 2019, at the urging of their children, Thelma and Richard moved back to Winnipeg and took up residence in an assisted living facility. As they did wherever they lived, they made friends and enjoyed socializing with the residents. In June 2024 Richard passed away. After more than 70 years of marriage Thelma found it very hard to adjust to his absence and her health began to decline.
On Monday, January 27, 2025 Thelma passed away at Grace Hospital. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren throughout her last days.
Thelma is predeceased by her husband Richard Unruh, her parents Amy Mae and Edward Edwards, and two brothers Alvin and Jim.
She is survived by four children - Darlene (Brent), Daile (Manfred), Rick (Barb), Royal (Dayle); grandchildren (Jay; Daniel, Darcie-Anne, Heather, Christine; Weslee, Owen; Sherry, Amanda, Jennifer); ten great-grandchildren; and her niece Lisa.
The family would like to thank the staff at Grace Hospital Emergency, in particular Dr. Cudmore and the nurses, for their compassionate presence with the family.
The memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. To join the family via livestream, please click HERE.
The private family interment will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations in memory of Thelma may be made to the Grace Hospital Foundation.
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