Thibodeau, Darlene Gladys - nee (Finlay) 

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, nana, sister-in-law, cousin, niece and friend, Darlene, after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at the Palliser Regional Care Centre.  She was 68 years old. 

Darlene is predeceased by her grandpa and grandma Lawrence and Caroline Stoeser, her father and mother, Chester and Lillian Finlay, her husband Cleo Thibodeau and their infant son, Michael.  She is survived by and will be sadly missed by her son, Larry (Elaine) and their children Megan and Jordan; her daughter, Lee Ann and her son Michael (Allison); her daughter Karen (special friend Ryan) and her children Matthew and Carter; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Emile and Evelyn Thibodeau, her nieces Natalie and Melanie, her nephew, Trevor (and their families); as well as aunts, uncles, many friends and her cats, Jade and Riley.

Darlene was born an only child on October 27, 1941 at St. Boswell’s, Saskatchewan.  She attended Bateman School.  In 1960 she married Cleo Thibodeau and they had four children.  Darlene’s main occupation through life was medical care, with her last job being a special care aide at the Palliser Regional Care Centre.  Many of those she worked with there were her good friends and became her care givers during her final journey.

In 2001, after losing her husband to cancer, she moved “back home” to Gravelbourg; however, unfortunately, only a short time later she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and was forced to move back to Swift Current to be closer to her family. 

Darlene had a great sense of humour with a warm and giving heart.  Darlene never complained nor was she ever vain or jealous.  Her heart and soul were made of honesty, respect, commitment, devotion, caring, sharing and loving.  She fought for what she believed in and maintained her dignity and pride to the very end.

Darlene truly cherished her family.  She had a passion for cooking, baking, sewing, crocheting, crafts, visiting, free hand painting, piano, singing, church and loving people.  She will be fondly remembered for the true core of her soul – unconditional love.

Her funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at the Swift Current Funeral home in Swift Current; with her graveside prayers and burial at the Gravelbourg Cemetery, officiated by Bishop Donald Bolen.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society.