Thelma Margaret Pittendreigh (née Hunter)

We are sad to announce the passing of Thelma Margaret Pittendreigh, on Sunday, January 21, 2024, after a long illness with Alzheimer’s disease. Thelma had just celebrated her 88^th birthday on January 11. Thelma is predeceased by her loving husband Ian (2021). She is survived by her two children, Jillian (Steve) Jones and John (April) Pittendreigh. Nana will be missed by her grandchildren Caroline, Max, and Dylan.

Thelma was a proud southwestern Ontario farm girl, born and raised on the family Holstein farm in Norval, Ontario. She was a very active girl enjoying 4H club, piano, and playing a variety of sports. While a high school student, Thelma attended the Ontario Athletic Leadership Camp and was later proud to return as a counselor. She advanced quickly through school and left home for Queen’s University in Kingston at age 17. While she worked towards earning her BAPhE degree, Thelma was active in drama, musical theatre, and the student radio station CFRC where she was a DJ and program host. She was invited to appear on the CBC program “Cross-Canada Hit Parade” as a guest DJ while in her final year. After completing her degree, she began her teaching career in Belleville, and later moved to London to teach at Sir Adam Beck CI.

Thelma was involved with a production at the London Little Theatre company where she met her future husband, Ian. They married in 1963 and settled into the Orchard Park neighborhood. In 1965, Thelma left teaching to focus on her and Ian’s growing family. In addition to tending to children and home, Thelma enjoyed keeping busy with social activities that were so important to her: neighbourhood friends, tennis and badminton, dinner dances and parties, teaching fitness, and church group activities to name but a few. She enjoyed working in the gift shop at University Hospital for many years and proudly volunteered for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Music was always important to Thelma, especially Broadway musicals. Her collection of original cast recordings was enviable. Her love for music continued into her mid-life years, and she found such joy attending the theatre with Ian in NYC, Toronto, and London. Thelma played in the bell choir at First St. Andrew’s United Church, and enjoyed harmonizing while singing favorite hymns in the congregation.

Thelma was diagnosed with dementia in her early 70’s. As the disease began to take its toll, she moved into the care of Earls Court Village Nursing Home. Thelma easily became one of the most popular residents of the home, entertaining the staff and other residents with lively singing, smiles, and a cheerful outlook.

Thelma passed quietly in the care of the palliative team at University Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held to honour Thelma’s life. The family appreciates the support and condolences received during this difficult time. Heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Earls Court, and the exceptional medicine and palliative care teams at LHSC – University Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks those wishing to make a donation, do so to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, to honour Thelma’s memory and contribute to ongoing research.