SEHL o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2003-11-04 published
Thelma
Eaton
Hutchison
WILKINSON
By Laurie SEHL
Tuesday,
November 4, 2003 - Page A24
Mother, sister, teacher. Born February 2, 1913, in Arthur, Ontario
Died August 1, in Brampton, Ontario, of old age, aged 90.
Thelma Laurene
EATON, the second child of Hugh and Jean
EATON,
was sister to Clifford and Irene. At the age of 10, Thelma wrote
her entrance exams to high school. She was held back a year because
of her age and was delayed another year when she became quite
ill with whooping cough. She started high school when she was
During her years at Arthur High, Thelma was heavily involved
in the community. She was the church pianist and was involved
in staging several community plays. Thelma applied to and was
accepted at Toronto Normal School and she graduated at the age
of 17. She returned to her elementary school, Metz School, where
she taught many younger than she who had been in the same one-room
school. In the subsequent 39 years, Thelma taught students in
many Ontario towns.
"Thelma was a dedicated teacher -- she cared for and had concerns
for all of her pupils and in turn they cared for and were inspired
by her," says stepdaughter Ruth
CRUMP of Windsor, Ontario "She
was an excellent teacher of our academics but still made time
to umpire a ball game, organize the yearly gala Christmas concert
or whatever else it took to keep about 40 pupils in eight grades
busy and on their paths to becoming productive citizens."
Thelma met Gordon
HUTCHINSON/HUTCHISON, who also was from the Arthur area,
and they dated for about seven years. The marriage was delayed
while they both helped support their families during the Depression
years. They finally tied the knot on November 18, 1939. Thelma
had two children, Donna Jean (now
WANLESS) and Wayne Alexander.
The years from 1969 to 1975 were difficult for Thelma and the
strength of her character shone through. She quit her teaching
career to care for ailing husband Gordon (who died in August,
1971), her father who died in June of that same year and a brother
who became critically ill with diabetes.
Over the years, one of Thelma's passions beyond her family and
teaching was the Federated Women's Institute of Ontario. From
1959 until she was no longer able, Thelma was heavily involved
with the Institute. She served her branch, district, area and
province as president, vice-president and in various other executive
positions. One of her favourite projects was attracting and arranging
the appearance of guest speaker Pauline
McGIBBON, Lieutenant-Governor
of Ontario, at a special Institute event. Thelma was honoured
by her branch in 1984 by becoming a life member of the Federated
Women's Institutes of Ontario. Thelma also became a life member
of the Associated Country Women of the World.
On October 11, 1975, Thelma married Edgerton
WILKINSON from Milton,
Ontario, who had been a long-time family friend; he, too, had
lost his spouse. Together they enjoyed 20 years and with their
blended families, shared five children, 18 grandchildren and
33 great-grandchildren. Thelma lived with Ed until his death
in 1996, after which she moved to Southbrook Retirement Community
for most of her final years.
"Thelma was always fun and always welcomed us," says Ruth
CRUMP.
"She loved to be active -- either entertaining or being entertained.
She was a true conversationalist and could tell great stories
and jokes. She never turned down an offer for a game of bridge
or euchre. Most of all, she loved her family and many Friends.
The times she laughed, gave advice or just listened echo in the
memories of those lives (she) touched -- and, in being so remembered,
her legacy will live on."
Laurie SEHL is Thelma's granddaughter.
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