Thomasena Mary Cordelia Begin (nee Earl) passed away peacefully with family at her side on December 20, 2010, at the age of 83 years.
Thomasena is predeceased by Truman, her husband of 58 years, parents Winifred and Thomas Earl and brother Thomas Earl.
She is lovingly survived by her four daughters: Winifrid Black (Andrew), Marcia Begin, Kathryn Smith (William) and Leslie Begin (Robert). She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Jessica, David, Aaron, Matthew, Emily, Jesse and Benjamin; and five great-grandchildren: Megan, Sarah, Katelyn, Audrey and Sean. Thomasena has four surviving siblings: Grace Straka of Sumas, Washington and Jim and Dan Earl and Wyn Exley of Vancouver Island.
Thomasena worked many years as an RN; her last and favourite position was Director of Nursing at Boundary Hospital in Grand Forks. She held an avid interest in all things medical and an enormous capacity of love for dogs of every breed. She enjoyed her retirement years watching her family grow, reading, gardening and camping and was active in many community groups such as the Catholic Women’s League, Boundary Community Hospice Association, the Hospital Auxiliary and the Boundary Community Food Bank. She travelled to visit family in Ireland and New Zealand and maintained correspondence with them as long as she was able.
The family wishes to thank her doctor and the staff at Boundary Lodge and Hardy View Lodge who cared for Thomasena with kindness and compassion and a special thank-you to Heidi Werner who remained a faithful friend throughout Thomasena’s illness.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Boundary Community Hospice Association. There will be a prayer service on Tuesday December 28, 2010, at 7 p.m. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at the Sacred Heart Church. Grand Forks Funeral Home was in care of arrangements.