With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Magda Thompson of Medicine Hat at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 at the age of 88 years. Magda has gone to join her beloved husband of 61 years, Alex, who predeceased her in January of 2012. Magda leaves to cherish her memory her five children, Karen Petreman, Linda Neuberger, Debbie (Ross) Campbell, Grant (Peggy) Thompson all of Medicine Hat, and Donna (Kelly) Hrudey of Calgary. She also leaves to cherish her memory 15 grandchildren, Shelley (Bruce) Valk, Todd (Jamie) Petreman, Rhonda (Brian) Kelly, Dulcey (Lisa), Brandon, and Braunwyn Neuberger, Kent (Allie) Campbell, Casandra (Jess) Frame, Brittney (Austin) LaBranche, Jared (Jenifer), Delman and Jenica Thompson (and their mother, Pauline), Jessica, Megan, and Kaitlin Hrudey. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, one sister, Wally Fossenier, and one sister-in-law, Olive Pederson. Magda was predeceased by her parents, Marius and Ingeborg Brovold; brothers-in-law, Angus Thompson and Vern Pederson; sister-in-law, Jean Eger; and son-in-law, Len Neuberger. Mom was born in Lesja, Norway on July 12th, 1924 and immigrated to Canada with her parents and sister, Wally, in 1929. They left Halifax, travelling west and settled in the Coronach, Saskatchwean area where they farmed for 10 years, surviving drought, frost, hail, insects, blizzards, and extreme heat during the depression years. Mom and Aunt Wally began their education in a country school, but faced a greater challenge as they only spoke Norwegian. In true Mom fashion, she overcame this obstacle. In 1940, they moved to Thunder Bay where her father was employed building the grain terminals at the lakehead. From there, they moved to Weyburn and Regina as her father worked on several large construction projects. Mom was employed in a department store in Regina when she met the love of her life at a Valentine’s Day dance in Coronach in 1948. After exchanging numerous love letters, they married on September 2nd, 1950 and began their life on the farm raising five children. Shortly after the birth of her second child, Mom was struck with polio. During this time, she was quarantined on the family farm with Dad only communicating through the bedroom window while Grandma nursed her back to health. Mom and Dad were strong community members. Mom sang in the United Church choir, served as President of the Coronach Figure Skating Club, and was particularly proud of being a member of the Eastern Star Assiniboia Chapter #8 where she served as Worthy Matron and remained a registered member. Other activities Mom and Dad enjoyed were curling, square dancing, cards, singing, and socializing with their friends. In 1973, they sold the farm and moved the family to Medicine Hat, quickly forming many friendships and enjoying weekends dancing at the Elks and Legion Halls. In 1974, they opened a new business, Cabinet Corner, with their daughter, Linda and husband Len, expanding their business to include the manufacturing of cultured marble. In 1981, Mom and Dad retired, they travelled to a number of destinations with many of their family and friends, especially enjoying their winters in Arizona. During their retirement, they moved into Southview Grand continuing their social activities, enjoying bridge and crib nights. Mom’s family was the most important thing in her life. She cherished the times spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Friday night family gatherings at Mom and Dad’s were a ritual, numerous camping trips, barbeques, lively debates, and times of sharing will always be important memories. Mom’s kitchen was always open to family and friends, there was always room for an extra plate at her table. Mom’s love always made our house a home. We love you, Mom, and we will miss you always.

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