Thelma Harder

Thelma Roselyn Harder (nee Keith), age 84, loving, gentle mother went home to her Lord on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Mom was born July 27, 1938 and grew up on the family farm near Hazlet, with her siblings, mother, and grandparents. Her grandparents were formative influences in her life. She loved animals, especially dogs and cats. Mom held great compassion for those who were less fortunate and she was very generous. She had a keen sense of justice, a strong will, and she deplored bullying. She unfailingly held culprits accountable for their behavior. She was also a humble servant of God who faithfully followed His path for her life.

When Mom received her diagnosis she accepted it with a grace and dignity which never wavered. Mom was blessed to be able to die at home.

She was a grandmother who knitted slippers and sweaters, crocheted blankets, repaired clothes, took up hems, and sewed doll clothes. Her favourite saying to an ill child was that they were under the weather but soon they would be on top of the weather. Her humour and gentle care always lessened every illness.

She took pride in a spotless and well-ordered house and although she was less able in later years, she still had everything organized and in its place. She was true to her Scottish roots, of which she was very proud, she never wasted anything and reused whatever she could. Mom canned vegetables from the garden and made apple pies from our backyard apples. Her fried chicken, buns and bread were famous, and she was often asked to bake for others. No one ever went hungry at Mom’s and even in her later years, she continued to feed her family, ordering takeout to treat everyone.

Mom loved to go fishing with her family and many happy weekends were spent at Lac Peltier. Picnics in the park, holidays to B.C. to pick fruit, and drives in the country with Mom are all special memories. 

Mom passionately loved her grandchildren and great-grandchild; she was their greatest champion. Even when a grandchild messed up, “Nana,” as they affectionately called her, was on their side. In the final days of her life, she continued to care for her family, leaving instructions for gifts to be given after her death.

Thelma is survived by the love of her life, Glenn Harder, with whom she shared 66 years of beautiful marriage; her children, Cheryl Hughes (Michael), Marty Harder (Sue), and Jason Harder; her grandchildren, Mark Hughes (Josie), Kiera Hughes (Jordan), Jessa Hughes, Alora Trask (Michael), Brandon Harder, Chelsea Fataki, and Brooklyn Harder; her great-grandchild, Jaydon Fataki; her sister, Lillian Feil; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Audrey Monson and Alexander Keith; stepparents, Oscar Monson and Mary Keith; and her brother, Gordon Keith. 

A private service will be held at a later date.

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die” - Thomas Campbell. Until we meet again, Mom.

In memory of Thelma Harder, donations made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, SPCA, or World Vision would be appreciated by the family.

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