Thelma Eileen Passmore

Thelma Eileen Passmore (nee Wiebe)

March 28, 1927 - Nov 20, 2023

Surrounded by family, Thelma died quietly and peacefully at Orchard View retirement community in Almonte at the age of 96.  She was predeceased by her husband, Russell Passmore, and her daughter, Audrey Vansickle (Don).

She is survived by her son, Gillis Harp (Barbara), grandchildren, Michael Vansickle (Kim), Sara MacFarlane (Bob), Caroline Harp, Anna Hergenroeder (A.J.), and Eleanor Conley (James), plus great-grandchildren, Sam, Riley, Joey, Charlotte, Sophia, and Lucy Rose.

Thelma is also survived by Russell Passmore's children, Bob Passmore, Laura Snippe (Hans), Jim Passmore (Lee), Al Passmore (B.J.), Kathy Passmore (Bryan).

Thelma grew up among Mennonites in Winkler, Manitoba.  She attended the University of Manitoba and graduated in 1948 with a B.A. in Child Development.

Her Christian faith informed everything she thought and did.  She was a long-time member of Parkwood Presbyterian (Nepean), serving for over ten years as coordinator of their pastoral care team.

Outside of her duties serving the church and fulfilling her duties as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she pursued life-long learning, always expanding her knowledge of classical music and her appreciation of 20^th century Canadian art.  She also enjoyed perfecting her techniques as a skilled artisan, creating and selling her own handmade pottery for many years.

Funeral Service to be held on Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at Parkwood Presbyterian Church at 11am. Burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Smiths Falls.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28)

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Mennonite Central Committee are welcome. 

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Grammy was the most wonderful grandmother. Though we lived far away from each other, I always felt very close to her. We stayed in touch writing letters back and forth to each other for years in addition to our phone visits.  

Growing up, the highlight of my year was always our summer family trip to Ottawa. Grammy would take us to the National Gallery of Canada to see the latest exhibit, teaching me so much about how to appreciate art. As an adult, I still think of Grammy when I see a beautiful painting or piece of handmade pottery. She also encouraged my love of music, and I enjoyed playing duets with her on piano or recorder.  

On our summer visits, I remember Grammy cooking us lots of delicious meals. The highlight would be her traditional Mennonite meal of vereniki and Winkler sausage. It’s still some of the best food I’ve ever had. 

Grammy was a great listener. She had so much wisdom to share, I wish I could have captured it all. In this current season of my life as I become a mom, there are many questions I wish I could ask Grammy about pregnancy and motherhood. I know she would have amazing guidance and insight. 

I’m so grateful for Grammy and miss her very much. I will cherish my memories of Grammy forever. I grieve having to say goodbye, but I grieve with hope, knowing that I will get to see her again one day in the resurrection life (John 11:25). 

• Anna Harp Hergenroeder