Thelma Morris
January 5, 1941 - February 13, 2025
Courageous to the end, Thelma, a self-described “tough old bird” passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, with family by her side.
Thelma was born in Burnley, England to Harold and Sarah Briggs. She completed teacher training at the University of Birmingham and began her teaching career in England. In 1963, Thelma married fellow teacher, Ken Morris, and they both taught at Moorside Secondary School in addition to starting a family, with Michele being born in 1964, and Nicole in 1965.
In December 1966 Ken and Thelma, along with their two small daughters, emigrated to Canada. Knowing very little about the realities of a Canadian winter, what a surprise it was when they arrived in Keeler, Saskatchewan on a frigid, snowy December day. If Ken hadn’t been contracted for a two-year principalship, the family would have made an expeditious return to England.
The next teaching assignment had Ken and Thelma move to Mortlach, Saskatchewan. By this time, the Saskatchewan prairies had become home and there was no turning back. A third daughter, Chantal, was born in 1971. Thelma finished her teaching career in 1975, shortly before the birth of her son, Morgan, and the move to Moose Jaw.
Once Morgan entered school, Thelma began a second career at the Moose Jaw Public Library which was a perfect fit, given her love of literature. She started in the Children’s Department and took great satisfaction in helping young people explore the wonderful world of books.
In addition to good books, Thelma had a passion for Scottish dancing, travelling, knitting, and crocheting. Family members will treasure her gifts of afghans, shawls, sweaters, and stuffed animals. The Beatrix Potter characters she made are especially prized by her grandchildren. Thelma will also be remembered for her perfect Yorkshire puddings, meat and potato pies, jam drop cookies, and steamed treacle pudding with Bird’s custard.
Thelma is predeceased by her grandson, Sebastian. She will be forever missed by her husband of 61 years, Ken; daughter Michele (Wade) and grandsons David (Jill), Ben (Blair), and Ryan; daughter Nicole (Darcy) and grandson Chris (Anna) and great-grandchildren Sophie, Kaylie, and Owen; daughter Chantal (Tony) and grandchildren Christopher and Samantha; and son Morgan (Steph) and grandchildren Emilie and McKenna.
Respecting Thelma’s wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit, Pasqua Hospital, care of The Hospitals of Regina Foundation.
In living memory of Thelma, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain – Funeral Director
