Thelma Irene Williams

Thelma Irene Williams (nee Purdy) has passed at the magnificent age of 101 years old, on Saturday November, 28, 2020 at the end of a long and happy life.

Born in Calgary in 1919 to Reginald Purdy and Jean (Craig) Purdy, Thelma grew up in many small towns in central and northern Alberta. After graduating high school in Peace River, she worked at the post office and took a business school course, then was accepted in 1940 as one of the first female civilians employed by the RCMP in Edmonton. She joined Beta Sigma Phi in 1949 and remained a member of over 60 years. The same year, she also married the love of her life, RCMP constable Howard Williams in Edmonton, where they resided until 1955. After that they relocated to Calgary, which Thelma always thought of as her true home. She was an active member of the RCMP Veterans Association (Calgary) and Heart to Heart Support Society. Thelma always had a smile on her face and a “hi-ho” for all those around her as she went through her day. In 2011 she made the move to Lethbridge to be closer to her daughter, to live at The View and to walk the halls.

She is predeceased by her husband Howard in 2005. Thelma is survived by daughter Patricia Williams; four brothers Bob (Trisha) Purdy of Kamloops, BC, Bill (Gillian) Purdy of Bowser, BC, David (Belle) Purdy of Campbell River, BC and Jim (Ruth) Purdy of Elk Point, AB.

In accordance with Thelma’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. A donation in memory of Thelma may be made to the Calgary Zoo c/o Calgary Zoo Development Department, 1300 Zoo Rd N.E, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7V6 or the Lethbridge PAW Society, Box 255, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 3Y5.

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no tears or gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long,

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that we all shared,

Miss me- but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take,

And each must go alone.

It’s all part of the Master’s plan,

A step on the road home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,

See family and friends we know.

Take time to heal,

Though we must part

Miss me- but let me go.

-Christina Rossetti

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