Thelma Jean Bott (nee Hendry), age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 22, 2021 at St Joseph’s Hospital, after suffering a stroke over a year ago. Born September 16, 1926 in Port Arthur to the late Agnes & Jock Hendry, Thelma attended St James Public School and Port Arthur Collegiate Institute and was a member of Lakeview Presbyterian Church. Mom continued her education at the Port Arthur General Hospital nursing program following in the footsteps of her beloved Aunt Betty. Nursing became a family tradition with 2 of her 3 sisters becoming RNs. As a RN, Mom had a special way with babies and was often called upon to nurse the sickest of babies.
In 1951, Mom and Dad were married and their careers took them to Toronto and Kitchener where their family grew. They returned ‘home’ to Port Arthur in 1961 with 3 young children and one on the way. Mom and Dad made a home where all were welcome. Most days after school the kitchen on Marlborough Rd was filled with friends or neighbours enjoying coffee.
Mom was a loyal friend to her classmates Evelyn Vaillant and Mildred Woodbeck and a lifetime friendship was filled with much laughter. Her sisters, Catherine McComber, Agnes (Gussie) Ward, and Janet Stones and their families had a special place in Mom’s life. Mom and Dad were avid bridge players and great fun was had on Saturday nights and New Year’s Eve with the Hardman’s, Anderson’s and Ward’s. Mom continued to play bridge up until a few years ago.
Mom loved Shebandowan and enjoyed her and Jack’s years together at camp. Shebandowan was our gathering place and gave us structure and a place where we could stay close as a family. Watching our families play, grow and learn to love camp was Mom’s greatest pleasure. Gram’s garden was filled with treats, mostly for the grandkids. Cookies, but only 2, were always available for coffee and snack time. She taught her children how to be parents. Her special way with newborns carried on with her 10 grandchildren and she would be able to settle even the fussiest of them. Mom was fiercely independent and forged a new chapter in her life at Chartwell –Thunder Bay. She would often tell her visiting grandkids to ‘get out to camp and enjoy – what are you doing visiting me?’ Life lessons of resiliency and independence were passed onto her kids and grandkids. She was a force to be reckoned with and spoke her mind. Her advocacy for Dad provided him with many years of good health. Fiesty was often used to describe Mom by those who knew her – always with respect and a wry smile.
Thelma was predeceased by her husband, John (Jack) Bott, her sisters Gussie Ward and Catherine McComber. Mom was well loved by her 4 children: Marg Donio (Pat), John Bott (Fawn) of Braeside, ON, Jan Sdao (Tony) of Niwot, Colorado, and Liz Inkila (Paul). Gram will be missed by her 10 grandchildren: Patrick (Britt) & Scott (Rhyleigh) Donio; Cassie (Doug), Jamie & Mitchell (Brittany) Bott; Michael (Sarah) & Jonathan Sdao; and Todd (Kelsey), Lindsay & Laura (Avery) Inkila; and 4 great grandchildren Ben Donio, Sloane Sdao, Jackson Bott Baxter, and Layla Findlay. Mom is also survived by her sister Janet Stones and many nieces and nephews. As per Thelma’s wishes, there will be no service. Should friends and extended family wish to contact the family, please email thelmabottfamily@gmail.com. A memorial webpage with a picture gallery has been created where stories can be shared and family can be contacted. https://thelmabottfamily.wixsite.com/my-site-1.
We are so very thankful for the care Mom received from the staff of the 4th floor Palliative Care & Hospice Unit at St Joseph’s Hospital. A special thank you to Dr. Allison for his compassion and kindness over the many years of being Mom’s family physician. Should friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to the Palliative/Hospice Care Unit of St Joseph's Hospital c/o St Joseph's Foundation, 63 Carrie St, Thunder Bay, ON, P7A 4J2.