Kivi, Thelma

Thelma Elizabeth Kivi (nee Edwards), aged 88 years, resident of Bethammi Nursing Home passed away peacefully on April 28, 2011 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with family at her side. She was born on October 6, 1922 to the late Nora and Chester Edwards. She married Reuben Kivi on November 22, 1947 whom predeceased her in 1989. Together they raised two sons Don and Ken. She cherished her family and was always a very proud and devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. Thelma was always a hard worker. Beginning at an early age she helped with chores around the family farm and sawmill as well as the store and post office located at her parents home in Sellars. She would arrive early at school in the mornings to stoke the wood stove so it would be warm and cozy for teachers and fellow classmates. During the war years she was proud to be a "Rosie the Riveter" at Can Car. She worked for Remick's Lodge at Arrow Lake and waitressed at the infamous Lorna Doone restaurant on Victoria Avenue in Fort William. After raising her sons she returned to the workforce at both Canadian Tire and Northland Hardware. She was an avid gardener and cook and her talents in these areas were rewarded with numerous ribbons and trophies for her entries at the local fairs. A highlight for her was winning the nail driving contest at the Hymers fair. Mat weaving became a passion and she shared mats with many. She thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of her years bowling and carpet bowling. Picnics, fishing with Reub and the boys and outings to the farm with family and friends were cherished memories. Through wins and losses she was an avid baseball fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. Becoming a grandmother to Kelly and Daniel became one of the most joyous times of her golden years. In this past year, as her health declined, she was lovingly cared for at TBRHSC, Glacier Ridge and most recently Bethammi Nursing Home. Her whole life she loved to be around people and made many lifelong friendships wherever she went. She opened her home to anyone in need and always was there for others with helping hands. Thelma is survived by sons Don and wife Lori, Ken and wife Heather, grandchildren Kelly and Daniel. Brothers Clifford (Lily), Alvin (Sophie), Jack (Madge), Pat (Betty), sisters-in-law's Clara Antonnen and Bernice Mackenzie (Murray) all of Thunder Bay, sister-in-law Dixie Kivi Stratton ON, brother-in-law Rey Kivi (Dianne) Victoria BC and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by parents Nora and Chester Edwards, husband Reuben Kivi, sister-in-law's Irene Kivi, Jackie Kivi, brother-in-law's Alan Kivi, Bob Kivi and Reino Antonnen. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church with Pastor John Schmidt officiating. Services will be complete in the church and internment will be held at a later date in Leeper Cemetery. If family and friends desire memorial donations to a charity of your choice is greatly appreciated.