A beautiful life, fully lived has come to a close. Elda Thorburn, beloved wife of John Thorburn, peacefully passed away on November 15, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat at the age of 96. Elda also leaves to cherish her memory six sons and two daughters: Doran (Lois) of Olds, AB; Larry (Judy) of Assiniboia, SK; Dale (Sandra) of Abbey, SK; Marion (Wayne Murch) of Lancer, SK; Dennis (Rita) of Burstall, SK; David (Helen) of Leader, SK; Paul (Crystal) of Mossbank, SK; Charlotte (Kent Powell) of Edmonton, AB; as well as 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, three sisters, Wilda Miller, Marie Steinley, and Nina Dickie; and numerous half-brothers/sisters, nieces and nephews. Elda was predeceased by her parents, Ross Valentine and Eva Haw of Pennant, SK; her son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Ellaine Thorburn of Red Deer, AB; and her precious great-grandchild, Garrett Delorme of St. Victor, SK.
Elda was born on April 6, 1921 on the Valentine ranch north of Pennant, SK. She was raised on the ranch with her three younger sisters, attended school in Pennant and later obtained her teaching credentials at the Moose Jaw Normal School. While teaching at a rural school near Abbey, she met John Thorburn and they were married July 20, 1949. Together they made their home at the family farm east of Abbey where they lived for 51 years before retiring to Medicine Hat. Elda was a devoted and natural born teacher who loved the years she spent teaching at rural schools in the Leader and Abbey areas. Many students benefitted from her patience and dedication. As Elda left teaching to raise her family she continued to be the consummate teacher guiding her children with wisdom and unconditional love. Elda’s family meant the world to her and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. Her greatest joys in life were times she spent cuddling new babies and being with children. We will never forget the many family gatherings where her encouragement and love were shared over delicious meals and endless baking. Elda also loved working with her hands; she sewed, knitted, crocheted, quilted and in the summer nurtured a large vegetable garden and grew spectacular sweet peas, gladiolas and marigolds. There was always a freshly cut bouquet of flowers on the kitchen table! Elda enjoyed dancing, which she continued to do until a few months ago and playing many games of cards. The family would like to thank her caregivers at St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice for their respectful and compassionate care.

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