Obituary of Thelma Lillian McNeill

It is with profound sadness that the family announces that the life of Thelma Lillian McNeill (Sverdahl) peacefully came to end on September 6, 2021. It is with gratitude for her love and with love, the family, Ken McNeill, Judy (Brian) Bazant, Blake (Antoinette) McNeill, Vicki McNeill, Larry and Sharon James celebrate her life. It is the firm conviction of the family that Gramma invented the phrase “If I knew grandchildren were this much fun, I would have had them first.” The grandchildren that loved and were loved by Gramma, Torin McNeill, Ryan (Carrie) Grajczyk, Karie (Glenn) Schultz, John (Allison) McNeill, Katelyn (Conor) Muirhead, Kimberly (RJ) Pagsanghan and Alanna McNeill, great grandchildren Max and Nolan Grajczyk, Madison and Cameron Schultz, Hudson and Quinn McNeill, Holly, Greta, Maeve, Enock and Ira Muirhead, Theia, Archer and Arinzey Pagsanghan.

Mom (Gramma) was predeceased by John (Jack) McNeill/ Dad/Gramps on August 24, 2002. Of her eight siblings she is survived by her brother Bill (Freda) Sverdahl.

Thelma/Mom/Gramma was born July 7,1927 at the family farm in the Farrell Lake District north of Delia. She attended school in Farrell Lake and went to high school in Drumheller. Thinking that living in a dormitory was too expensive for her parents, she left school after grade 11. She then moved to Calgary where she met her future husband on a blind date. Love is not always blind and one year later on March 5,1949 Jack & Thelma were married. As Dad worked in the oil industry during the initial years of their marriage, they moved a great deal - Edmonton, Calgary, back to Edmonton, Regina and back to Calgary all in 5 years with housing always being an issue. Finally, back in Calgary as it turned out, on a permanent basis, they bought a house in Haysboro in 1958. At that time Haysboro was on the outskirts of the city. During those years, she devoted her time to raising her family, especially as Dad often travelled for business purposes. Once the children were grown, she worked for Woolco in the accounting department.

Mom and Dad celebrated their 50^th. Wedding anniversary in 1995. Upon Dad’s retirement, they moved to Strathmore in 2001. Sadly, Dad passed away on August 24, 2002.

Mom moved into the Wheatland Lodge November 2011 and resided there until her passing.

The family would like to sincerely thank all those who played a role in her life’s journey. It seems appropriate to let Mom/Gramma have the last word. In her own words, “Thanks to each of you for being you. I love you!”

It is with special thanks and a deep sense of gratitude that we acknowledge the kind attention, gentle consideration, unfailing courtesy and professionalism afforded to Mom/Gramma by her long-time physician, Dr. David Piesas – a wonderful doctor and even better human being. Special thanks also to the staff of Wheatland Lodge, the Health Aides with Bayshore Home Health, Strathmore Home Care, the staff at the Strathmore Hospital, Wheatland Funeral Home and Pastor Dawn. A special mention also to Cathy Hiller, a special friend and Mom’s long-time hairdresser, a not unimportant position for Gramma!

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you celebrate your own family in whatever fashion is thought appropriate. Hug and hold close those that you love. Gramma would approve!