Thelma (Clarkson) Wyatt

Thelma Wyatt

1926 – 2019

Thelma Wyatt, affectionately known as Grandma Sam to her ten grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren, was born in Mafeking, Manitoba on March 16, 1926 to Henry and Helene Clarkson, the fourth of nine children. She later moved to Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan when her dad was transferred by the CNR. Thelma began school in Hudson Bay and continued her education in Mafeking after Henry retired there. She later met and married Robert Wyatt on October 24, 1945 and together they raised three sons; Bradley, Morley, and Brenton. Thelma and Robert spent the first few years of their married life on Lake Winnipegosis during the commercial fishing seasons. They continued, for many years, working in the commercial fishing industry, at The Bluff, Dawson Bay, and Mafeking. In 1978 they bought Wyatt’s Store in Mafeking and retired in 1987. They spent a couple of years between Dawson Bay and Swan River, but then moved back “home” to Mafeking.

Thelma has been a longstanding member of the Mafeking Ladies Auxiliary, since 1973. Within these thirty-two years she has served both vice-president for a year and secretary for six years. During this time, she has volunteered on a regular basis at the Wednesday night Legion bingos, socials, teas, weddings, bake sales, funerals and more.

During World War Two, Thelma travelled to Toronto to contribute her part to the war effort. Having brothers, relatives and friends as soldiers, she spent many hours preparing packages at home for the soldiers overseas. Life for her was a challenge and she met it head on.

“No” was never a part of her vocabulary. Thelma never tired of volunteering and gave freely when called upon by her family, friends, and community. She has been truly a blessing to her family and community. Thelma has served as secretary for the Mafeking Community Centre for over twenty years. Whenever there was work to be done for any local organization, she was still the first to offer her expertise and donate some of her delectable baking. For many years Thelma was a member of both the United and Anglican churches, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and participating in all church events. She gave of her time wholeheartedly and unsparingly.

Throughout the years her involvement in the community has consisted of playing bridge, curling, sewing, knitting, quilting, seaming nets for the commercial fishermen, volunteering at bingos, to name a few; and of course contributing her scrumptious cooking, which we all had the pleasure of enjoying at one time or another. Thelma has always been there for her elderly relatives that were unable to care for themselves, her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and now for her great grandchildren. There was never a shortage of love when it came to her family, friends, and community.

Thelma’s family, immediate and extended, as well as the community itself, has been and is blessed to be at the receiving end of years of her time and heartfelt generosity.

On July 20, 2019, Thelma Sarah Wyatt of Hudson Bay, formerly of Mafeking, passed away at the age of 93 years.

She is survived by her three children, Bradley (Terri), Morley (Amanda), and Brenton (Kim) all of Mafeking; by ten grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; brother Wayne Clarkson of Mafeking; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert Wyatt; parents Helene and Henry Clarkson; sisters Bessie Paul, Mary Barron, Leila Jacobs; brothers Edgar Clarkson, Grant Clarkson, Ernest Clarkson and Gordon Clarkson.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Mafeking Cemetery, Mafeking, Manitoba with Frances Barron officiating.

If friends so desire, donations in Thelma’s memory may be made to: Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch No. 93, General Delivery, Mafeking, Manitoba R0L 1B0

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775  www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thelma (Clarkson) Wyatt, please visit our floral store.