Tribute

Denise Joy Thomas (nee Goldsbury) was born in Trail, BC. She died peacefully at The Hamlets, Penticton, age 88, with family by her side. Pre-deceased by her husband, Morris Thomas in 2014, they had a wonderful 59 years of marriage. Survived by three children: Brian Thomas (Sandy) of Okanagan Falls, Jill Adamson (Stan) of Okanagan Falls, Nancy Thomas (Lyle) of Kelowna, six grandchildren: Ryan Adamson (Laura), Bonnie Thomas (Faran), Eric Adamson (Lauren), Heather Thomas (Robert), Hayden Zahrawi, and Katy Thomas (Bryan), and six great grandchildren: Ember, Brynn, Solwyn, Sydney, Porter, Sierra and Duncan, sister Gay McDonald (Kelowna) and brother-in-law Lloyd Thomas (Penticton), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Denise moved from Trail to Okanagan Falls in 1944, when her family came to pick fruit on their summer vacation. Denise and her sister Gay grew up on Hody Drive, in a house on Hall’s orchard. Denise took her Registered Nurse’s training at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, graduated in 1953 and stayed very good friends with her fellow nursing students, who called her “Goldie”.  She stayed at the Leir House Nurses’ Residence in Penticton for a short time, and nursed at Penticton and Oliver Hospitals. She married Morris Thomas May 8, 1954, and started her life as a rancher’s wife. She was a vet assistant during calving season, herded cows on the summer range, grew a beautiful and productive garden, and still had time to raise three kids, taking them to school, sports, horse shows and 4-H events. She was a Girl Guide leader, who would put the Guides in the back of an old pickup truck and head up the mountain for a campout. Denise also taught Red Cross swimming lessons at Skaha Lake. She was a dedicated Women’s Institute member for many years. She and Morris enjoyed camping with friends and family, dancing, playing cards, and going to BC Cattlemen’s events. Denise loved bird-watching, and set up a bluebird trail on the ranch. Denise had a big smile, and was always happy to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and they loved to see her.

Thank you to Denise’s care team for the excellent care through her journey with Alzheimer’s: Dr. Vivian Maier, Dr. Tara Dawn, the staff at The Hamlets, and Sharon Thompson, Liisa Kayra, Shirley Mrau, and Brenda Zakall, the care team who helped her stay in the home she loved, for as long as possible.

Always remembered with love.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring.

Donations are gratefully accepted in her name to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com