Obituary of Thelma Irene Kelsey

Thelma Irene (Law) Kelsey was born on August 15, 1926 in Eden, Manitoba. The second daughter of Earl and Edna Law. At the age of four Thelma came by train from Manitoba to Nipawin with her Mother and three of her sisters to join her Father. They resided in the Mossey Glen District from 1930 until 1949, when they moved to the Blue Fox District. The family soon grew to be five girls and five boys. Thelma lost her brother Grant, and then sadly lost her Mother in 1939. Thelma became no stranger to hard work and responsibility. Thelma started her schooling in the Mossey Glen District and then her high school education was at Blue Fox School. Thelma lived at Florence and Cecil Law’s while attending school there. Her first job was to start the wood stove at the school and to haul in the drinking water. This involved a 4 ½ mile walk early in the morning for $5.00 a month. Thelma and Cliff got married on July 4, 1946, after Cliff returned from the Navy. They were married in Cecil and Florence’s yard. The winter months were spent in lumber camps with Tom and Georgianna Kelsey at Fishing Lakes, Attic, Man. and Simon House. They started farming with 2 quarters of land obtained through the VLA. They were blessed with five children, Edna, Don, Ray, Sharon and Glen. Living on the farm close to both of their parents always involved a lot of extended family visiting. Many nieces and nephews spent time holidaying on the Kelsey farm. Thelma was active in the Blue Fox Women’s Auxiliary, U.C.W., Choiceland History Book Committee, Choiceland Museum, and Pineview Lodge Auxiliary. Thelma enjoyed her flower gardens, knitting, quilting, square dancing, curling, cross country skiing, swimming, cribbage, games and Coffee Row with her friends. Thelma spent countless hours driving her family to hockey, figure skating, music lessons and many other activities. Thelma and Cliff enjoyed taking the family to Candle Lake. They also travelled to Mesa AZ, Hawaii, an Alaska Cruise, and numerous trips to Ontario, Alberta, B.C. and Manitoba. These numerous trips often involved wonderful visits with family and friends. Thelma and Cliff loved living in the Choiceland area and enjoyed being involved in the community. Due to health reasons they moved to Jubilee Place in Nipawin in May, 2016. The family has now grown to five children, 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. There are many happy memories shared by the entire family. Thelma had a witty sense of humor which she shared with us until her final days. Thelma is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Clifford Kelsey; her children: Edna Dickson, Don (Leanne) Kelsey, Ray (Doreen) Kelsey, Sharon (Bill) Busby, and Glen (Connie) Kelsey; grandchildren: Lisa Morin, Leslie Dickson, Megan Kelsey, Melissia (Bob) Rogers, Stephanie Kelsey, Geoff (Marlise) Kelsey, David (Adrienne) Kelsey, Georgianna (Doug) Cox, Jeremy Souchotte, Michelle (Tim O’Hara) Rehman, Dustin (Nicole) Kelsey, Curtis (Rachel) Kelsey; great grandchildren: Christopher Dickson, Brianne Morin, Landon and Huxley Rogers, Ethan, Aiden, and Emilie Kelsey, Skyler and Alexa Kelsey, McKenna and Callum Cox, Kelsey and Hannah Rehman, and Lauren and Kael Kelsey. Thelma is also survived by her sisters: Maxine Shaw, Marguerite (Bernie) Filipowicz, Gladys Wade; her brother, Stewart; sisters-in-law, Joyce Dunlop & Florence Law; brothers-in-law, Len (Audrey) Kelsey, Jerry (Jean) Kelsey; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Thelma was predeceased by her parents, Edna and Earl Law; her sister, Agnes Fink; brothers Carmen, Graham, Dennis and Grant; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lorne, Jack (Gladys), Bill (Marie),Vivian Law, Blake Shaw, Don Wade; and grandson-in-law Danny Morin.