In loving memory of Thelma Annie Willcock (née Edwards) who passed away peacefully at Pioneer Manor in Sudbury, Ontario, on April 21, 2023, at the age of 94 years.
Dear daughter of the late William and Ada (Vardy) Edwards. Dear sister of Sidney Edwards (predeceased), Pauline (Alec) Grimshaw (both predeceased), and Susan Emery (Geoff predeceased).
Beloved wife of Arthur Willcock (predeceased 1977). Loving mother of Gail (Tom), David (Louise), and Graham. Cherished grandmother of Jennifer (Richard), Katie (Todd), Michael, Sara (Alex), and great grandmother of Sheldon and Calvin. Dear Auntie of Cheryl, Elizabeth and Robert.
Hailing from Blackpool, UK, Thelma and Arthur and their 3 children emigrated to Canada in 1963 and settled in Toronto.
Thelma was a beautiful, intelligent, independent, and feisty lady. She was an avid reader, kept abreast of local and international news, completed the Toronto Star’s North of 49 crossword puzzle on weekends, and enjoyed playing along with Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy every evening.
She has contributed much to her Church over the years as a member of the Mothers Union and serving on the Chancel Guild.
Thelma loved to knit and made sweaters and baby outfits for our own and others – even the children’s dolls were well dressed. She also crafted many ornaments over the years that still adorn our Christmas trees.
She was very fond of animals and carried treats in her pocket when out for a walk, just in case.
What Thelma probably enjoyed the most was music and dancing! She was an elegant and skilled ballroom dancer and attended weekly dances in Toronto for decades. She also taught many to dance, including the blind!
At family gatherings, Thelma had fun playing games, cards, horseshoes and darts, along with a glass of sherry! The grandchildren agree that “Grandma was cool, caring, strong, and witty!” She will be sadly missed and always remembered!
Special thanks to the staff in Park Place at Pioneer Manor for their care and support over the past 5 years. There will be no visitation. A Celebration of Thelma’s Life will be held at a later date. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
I would love to have known this wonderful woman!
Please know we are thinking of you all as you mourn her death and yet cerebrate her long and very full life.
Marg and Steve Shaver
April 22, 2023