Rhoda passed away on November 17, 2018, at the age of 78.
Rhoda believed “my greatest contribution is the ones I leave behind.” She is survived by her loving daughters Kelly (Steve) Pask of Prince Albert, Kathy (Brent) McMurtry of Saskatoon, Heidi (Brent) Hamilton of Kelowna, Valerie (Mike) Partrick of Kelowna, and Margaret (Kevin) McGuigan of Calgary. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren Braedon, Erica and Mitchell Pask; Grant (Cathy) and Leah McMurtry; Ava, Wynne and Payton Hamilton; Owen, Reid, Joel and Theo Partrick; and Kiernan, Claire and Noah McGuigan and her brother Dr. Ken (Debra) Halliday of California. Rhoda was predeceased by her husband Ken in 1977 and her brother Jack (and sister-in-law Nelda) Halliday in 2018.
Rhoda was born in Saskatoon, SK to John and Isabel Halliday. She attended Bedford Road Collegiate where she had the honour of being the Senior Pin. Rhoda became a teacher by trade, graduating from Saskatoon Teachers College. She married Ken not long after graduation and they began their lives together by starting a family and moving to Prince Albert to build the family business, Thams Photographers. In the summer they spent time at Waskesiu and during the winter they were kept busy with their young family and occasional warm weather holiday. Rhoda was a member of the Prince Albert Kinette Club and the Cosmo Pals. In later years, she worked for Carment’s Jewellers. In retirement, Rhoda joined the Red Hat Society and loved watching the Prince Albert Raiders.
But Rhoda’s first priority was always her five daughters. She was widowed at the young age of 37 and after Ken’s death, she devoted herself to their well-being. They have grown to be strong, independent women because of her love. Rhoda was admired by all who knew her for her strength, courage and grace during that time.
Rhoda suffered with Wegener’s disease and pancreatic cancer for two years without complaining. She had her sense of humour to the end. She is loved and will be missed every day.
If we could have chosen,
We would have picked no other
Than you . . . to be our lifelong friend
And Precious Mother.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grays Funeral Chapel, www.grays.ca.
A reception in remembrance of Rhoda’s life will be held at the Rawlinson Centre 142 12th St W. Prince Albert on Friday, November 30, 2018, at 2:00. Those wishing to commemorate Rhoda’s life are asked to consider a donation to the Rose Garden Hospice P.O. Box 2092 Prince Albert SK S6V 5R3 or the Prince Albert SPCA.
The family wishes to extend gratitude for the compassionate care she received from Dr. Banoub, Dr. R. .Ardell, Dr. Arendse and the wonderful nursing and other staff at Victoria Hospital.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Rhoda Thams February 20 1940 November 17 2018 (age 78)..
Décès pour la Ville: Prince-Albert, Province: Saskatchewan
