Thursa Ann Edey passed away Thursday, September 21, 2017, at the age of 89 years, after a long battle with cancer.

Thursa was born in Port Alberni, BC, on November 9, 1927. She spent the first part of her life on the farm in Heart Valley, AB.

Thursa was a very nurturing person, so in Grade 11, she made the decision to go to Grande Prairie to become a Ward Aid. She enjoyed the work and in 1945, decided to take her career further and left for the University Hospital in Edmonton to become a Nurse’s Aid. She took her practicum at the Red Cross Hospital in Calgary looking after children ranging from broken bones to serious illnesses. It had a profound effect on her life. She always had a soft spot for children. Her nursing career would take her to several places throughout Alberta working in Hospitals in Turner Valley, High River, Smoky Lake, Peace River, Hythe and finally Grande Prairie.

In 1954, she married Ray Edey. They had three daughters and were happily married for 64 years. In 1975, Thursa went back to work after her girls were grown and had a lengthy second career at Sears for more than 20 years. She was a well-known, and respected member of the community, also renowned for her inviting hospitality. She always had a delicious luncheon ready for any visitor at a moment’s notice. Thursa was an amazing cook and famous for her apple pies, beet pickles and so much more. Thursa’s kitchen was always the busiest and best room in the house.

Thursa is survived by her loving husband Ray, daughters Bev (Bruce Larsen) of Grande Prairie, Lesli Gail (Sid Giroux) of Okotoks, and Marla from Vancouver; brother Gordon LeBlanc from Edmonton; along with 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thursa’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at 2:00pm at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

Memorial Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Foundation (700, 10665 Jasper Ave., Edmonton, AB, T5J 3S9) in her memory.