THOMSON: Rose Freda Lutheria Thomson peacefully passed away at the Herbert & District Integrated Healthcare Facility Nursing Home in Herbert, SK on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at the age of 96. Rose is predeceased by her parents, Reverend Carl & Clara (nee Quittenbaum) Berg; her husband, Frank Thomson Jr.; son, Robert Thomson; sister, Beatrice Nixon; brothers, Alfred & Ernest Berg; niece, Barbara Mensch & great grandson, Braden Gin. Rose is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Frances (Gordon) Schwartz & daughter-in-law, Lucille (Robert) Thomson; six grandchildren, Dean (Karen) Thomson, Lorie (Willy) Buckingham; Lisa (Robert) Faucher, Dana McCallum, Jodie (David) Gin, Glenda Schwartz (Clint Silzer); nine great-grandchildren & three great-great-grandchildren; nephew Greg Nixon; nieces, Heather (Bart) Bowen & Lana (Jim) Perry. Rose was born in Edmonton, AB on May 6, 1917, the first of four children. At the time of her birth, Rose's parents were visiting Edmonton from Iowa as her father was a guest minister. Shortly thereafter, the new family returned to the USA. Years passed & upon her father's untimely death at the age of 36, Rose's mother, Clara, returned to her roots in Leader, SK with her, now four children, & soon remarried. Rose attended school in Leader until she went to live & work with family friends, the Kuesters, in Neidpath, SK. She worked in Kuester's General Store until she met the love of her life, Frank Thomson Jr. They wed on January 1st, 1936 in Neidpath & shared their time living on the homestead & in Neidpath. They remained married for 44 years until Franks passing in 1980. By this time, Frank & Rose had permanently been retired to Swift Current for many years. As an active farmer's wife & a homemaker, her social networking formally began as a member of the Neidpath Ladies Auxiliary. Once she & Frank started spending their winters in Swift Current, she became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star & later a member of Rebekah's Lodge. Curling provided another diversion during the Saskatchewan winters. Both Frank & Rose were avid curlers. She especially enjoyed bonspiels with friends & curling with the Swift Current Curling Club. She invested a total of 20 years in the sport. Never one to limit her options, at the age of 40, Rose began a 44 yearlong affair with the game of golf at the Elmwood Golf Club. When golfing season ended bowling began. In later years, she seldom missed the opportunity to attend the Swift Current Senior Centre & reigned at floor shuffleboard. Ever sports minded, she also enjoyed tennis, swimming, playing pool & snooker, just to name a few! Her competitive nature made her a notable competitor in any sport she tackled & was well rewarded throughout the years. Rose's competitive nature also carried over to her intellectual side. She was such an avid bridge player that she tried to impress upon family members that they couldn't possibly get through life if they didn't play bridge! Thankfully, Rose was easily appeased with card games of any kind. She also enjoyed playing the piano & organ, voraciously devoured novels from the Swift Current library, while always having the latest newspaper crossword puzzle on the go. She loved the English language & felt the missed opportunity of becoming a teacher. However, in spite of not fulfilling her dream, she was a patient & natural teacher to her grandchildren. Everyday tasks became interesting lessons balanced with the physical activities she loved. She was always present & engaged with them. She seldom sat idle & was always playing some form of a solitaire card game, knitting or crocheting while watching a riveting golf or tennis match on television. A cigarette & coffee were always within reach. Frank & Rose, also enjoyed traveling, of which many slideshows were viewed of those travels, during family Christmas gatherings. After Frank's passing she continued to travel with family or friends though less frequently. Rose's faith & spiritual upbringing were very important to her & although raised in the Lutheran faith, the Swift Current United Church became her chosen house of worship. She loved her family & gatherings were frequent. She spent endless hours in the kitchen & her culinary efforts were always appreciated. She made the best apple pie & coleslaw! Hers was a life well lived & to the fullest. She will always be remembered as one classy lady! "Life, if well lived, is long enough." Lucius Annaeus Seneca
A Private Family Interment Service was held at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Swift Current on Saturday, October 19 at 10:00 am, with Pastor Shirley Wilson officiating. In Rose's honour, a private family gathering will follow at the Elmwood Golf Club. Honorary Pallbearers: Great grandchildren Jason & Janelle Thomson, Daniel & Jessamy Buckingham, Garrett Gin, Jordan Faucher, Kyle, Kayla & Zachary McCallum. Thank you to Dr. Kassett & Rose's many caregivers over the past ten years; all of the staff at the Herbert & District Integrated Healthcare Facility Nursing Home as well as the Herbert Heritage Manor staff. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Herbert & District Integrated Healthcare Facility Auxiliary. Warren's Funeral Hoe in care of arrangements. For further information please call 306-773-8831 : 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condolence.