Thelma Joan Marsh, at the age of 99 years passed away peacefully beside 4 daughters on June 29, 2025 @ Cambridge Manor in Calgary. Born December 18, 1925, raised by parents Jack & Esther Clayton, and Kathleen Clayton, she grew up in Swift Current with her 4 siblings Norma, Edna, Jack & Doris. After graduating high school she left for Winnipeg MB, where she trained for 3 yrs & received a Registered Nursing Diploma. She & 3 good friends headed to Minniapolis for their 1st work experience & after one year she returned to SC & started her career @ the Swift Current Union Hospital working on Children’s Ward, for 35 years During the following 6 months she met Darrold Marsh & they were married March 12, 1949. Barbara was born that year, Julie, Joanne, Marjory & Kirsten following to complete the crew. When she retired from the hospital, started a new successful position with one of the 1st Home Care divisions in Sask.
She was totally involved with all activities her daughters were in, volunteering & committing to required parental duties & in lots of situations the initiator & motivator of original new ideas.
A group of young pregnant friends started a Sewing Club & who stayed good friends forever. They did just that, sew, knit, crochet, share recipes & play cards, with their other young kids beside them, so that even those kids got to be friends with each other too. She & Darrold were very involved in the First United Church, her being in UCW, the church choir & any volunteer committees expected. Thel swam, cross-country skied, walked, an avid reader & gardener, & musically gifted playing the piano, singing with the “Sweet Adeline’s” & dancing with Dad in the kitchen! As a couple they played bridge regularly on Saturday nite with different friends & she continued as a very versatile body @ Duplicate Bridge, always complimented as a lovely, styled lady!
Being self-efficient, she had regular outings, usually to COOP & Pharmasave, where she knew most employees & could always bump into others from all walks of life to visit. Her well-spoken & spirited attitude taught us all to love to talk!
Boating & camping summers spent @ the Sask Landing always brought family together, most continuing this tradition with their own families. The main beach was usually complete with MARSH’S MOB water babies. Family priority grew the best Mom/Grandma/Sabba ever. Her 16 Grandchildren & 27 Great Grandkids will have special memories of her kind, generous & humerous personality.
Predeceased by husband Darrold Marsh in 2007 left her very saddened by the loss but being strong willed & independent, stayed living in her house til moving to Airdrie in 2019. She had a happy, healthy, fulfilled life and this is her time. Special Thanks to Cambridge Manor & Staff for the awesome care & special attendance she received during the past 5 years, family is very appreciative. A “Celebration of her Life” was held in Calgary & Swift Current burial later. If wishing to donate in her memory, we suggest Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta or Canadian Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Foundation.