Obituary of Thelma Elsie Duncan

It is with broken hearts that we announce the death of Thelma Duncan (Allen/Crawford) of Avonport, Kings County, in the Valley Regional Hospital on October 7th, 2011 at the age of 89. Thelma was born in Melanson, Kings County - the eldest daughter of the late Leah (Gent) and Elmer Allen. She is survived by her children Joan Doyle (Toronto); John (Rona) Crawford (Greenwich); Peggy (Michael O?¢Brien) Crawford (Melanson), Joe (Jill Hiscock) Crawford (Wolfville Ridge); stepchildren Roy (Linda) Duncan (Burlington, ON); Joyce Duncan (Calgary); Richard (Janice) Duncan (Vancouver); grandchildren Annette Patterson, Christine and Marianne Crawford, Kerri Sue Kelly-Reeves and Andrew Kelly, Leigh and Clare Kellock, Jessica, Samuel and Zachary Crawford; step-grandchildren Ryan Duncan, Nadia and Spencer Stewart, Brooks and Tyler Duncan; 6 great grandchildren (Adam and MJ Patterson, Nicholas and Emily Branscombe, Brett and Brady Reeves) and 4 step-great grandchildren (Lucas, Stella, Fraser and Owen Duncan). She is also survived by siblings Josephine (Bruce) Dunlop (Winnipeg), Robert (Muriel) Allen (Wolfville), Lila (Sandy) MacLean (Truro), Patricia (Peter) Longino (Ottawa); as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and in-laws on the Allen, Crawford and Duncan sides of the family. She was predeceased by daughter Susan Kelly, stepchildren Marguerite and Lewis Duncan, husband Ron Duncan, former husband Paul Crawford, son-in-law Bruce Kelly, step-granddaughter Ivy Duncan, and siblings Edwin, William, and Peter Allen, and Mary Ellis. Thelma was many things over her lifetime - a teacher, nanny, hugger, farmer, gardener, mentor, counselor, tutor, deacon, amateur writer/poet, cancer survivor, pastoral volunteer, camper, Virgo, philanthropist, cookie-maker, Christian, sports fan, psychic, traveler, homemaker, and someone who jumped into puddles. She delighted in her family, her community and the world around her. She was a lover of nature, the night sky, holidays and special occasions, books, music, word puzzles and the English language. Thelma was born to teach, aspiring to be a school teacher from a young age. She graduated from Normal College in Truro and began teaching when she was 19. She taught for several years in the one-room schools of Avonport, West Brooklyn, Lockhartville, and Melanson. After raising her family, she returned to teach for another 20 years at Gaspereau Elementary School. Faith was central to her being, and Thelma was a past member of the Wallbrook United Baptist Church, and a current member of the Avonport United Baptist Church, where she actively participated in church life until her death. She was a member of the Dr. C.B. Lumsden Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 74 Wolfville. The family would like to acknowledge the many home support workers, caregivers and medical personnel who have provided care to Thelma over the past several years which allowed her to stay in her home. We thank two special members of her - extended family쳌 - Hazel Miles and Harold Pinch who have provided care and companionship for many years. Thelma was a great supporter of many charities and we welcome donations in her memory. These could be to one of the following: the Avonport United Baptist Church, the Lockhartville United Baptist Church, the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 10th at the Serenity Funeral Home, Wolfville, from 7 - 9 pm. Funeral Service will be held at the Avonport United Baptist Church on Tuesday, October 11th, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Gary Manthorne officiating. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home and Crematorium, 568 Main Street, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 1E7. Donations or condolences may be sent to the above address or by visiting: www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca