Obituary of Thelma Esther Svenson

In Loving Memory of Thelma Svenson

Thelma was born in Southey, Saskatchewan on August 10, 1943 and passed away at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, surrounded by family, on September 28, 2022 at the age of 79. Thelma was the ninth child of George and Barbara Rein and when she was only four months old, the family moved to Snowden to farm.  There were three more added to the family after the move, making a full household with 12 children.

Thelma attended Diamond Lake School until grade 7, Snowden School from grades 8-11, and attended Grade 12 in Choiceland.  She worked for a brief time in Nipawin before her marriage to Carl in 1962.

After their marriage in August of 1962, Carl and Thelma moved to Kelvington as Carl had started his teaching career in the community.  Little did they know Kelvington would become their home where they would spend 60 years together. They were blessed with three children: Gerald (1963), Shelley (1965), and Todd (1971).

Thelma stayed home with her children while they were small, making sure they were able to participate in sports and any other interests they had. She was terribly afraid of water, but made sure that fear wasn’t passed along to her children, insisting everyone took swimming lessons.  This tradition continued as her granddaughters spent time at Grandma and Grandpa’s house each summer taking lessons at the swimming pool.

She worked part time at the Co-op Service Station and Elizabeth’s Ladies’ Wear. In the early 1980’s Thelma took a position at the Kelvington Hospital, working in the kitchen. Her career progressed to see her become the Head Cook until her retirement in 2008.

Thelma volunteered with many local organizations, most recently being very involved with the Kelvington Senior’s Centre, previously serving as President.  Thelma enjoyed curling, ball, golfing, fishing, camping, travelling, and even the occasional Rider Game! In 1988, Thelma and Carl purchased a cottage at Fishing Lake which soon became the hub of the family’s summers and a gathering place for children and grandchildren. The cabin remains a treasured place to spend time, including a 60th Wedding Anniversary Celebration with family this past August.

Her granddaughters and recent addition of her first great granddaughter were truly highlights in her life. Many trips were made following their granddaughters around the province, from cheering them on at their sporting events, to graduations and convocations and a wedding last summer.

Thelma is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Carl; her son Gerald (Sally) of Assiniboia, granddaughters Shayla and Courtney; daughter Shelley (Rod) Worth of Delisle, granddaughters Torey (Michael) Kwiatkowski and Payton (Evan); son Todd (Glenda) of Tisdale, granddaughters Hayley, Heidi, Amy, and Allyssa; and great-granddaughter Addison Kwiatkowski; brothers Ed (Alyne) Rein, and Earl (Valerie) Rein; sisters-in-law Daisy, Bernice, Margie, and Nora, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Thelma was predeceased by: her parents George and Barbara Rein; brothers John, Ernie, Willie, Harold, Norman, Art, and Al;  and sisters Vera and Reta.

Memorial donations can be made to: Kelvington Seniors Centre, PO Box 1024, Kelvington, SK, S0A 1W0

Memorial Service

2:00 P.M.

Friday, October 7, 2022

Kelvington Legion Community Centre

Kelvington, SK

Donations in Memory of Thelma

may be made to

The Kelvington Senior Center

P.O. Box 1024

Kelvington SK, S0A 1W0

For those wishing to send cards of caring & sympathy

may send them to

The Svenson Family

P.O. Box 521

Kelvington, SK S0A 1W0