Alice Thew (nee Higgins )
June 28, 1921 - October 6, 2017
With deep sadness we announce the passing of our Mom, Alice Thew at age 96.
Born in Denholm Saskatchewan to Ernest and Catherine Higgins, she was the 3rd eldest of 10 children.
Pre-deceased by husband Harold, sisters Ernestine Howard, Leila Black, Nettie Higgins, Maxine Brown, brothers Art, Walter, Terry, and Warnie.
Survived lovingly by brother Doug, (Tara) sons Terry (Shirley) and Robin, (Cathy) granddaughters Carmen Abubaker (Ibraham) and Denise Thew Hackett, (Matt) and great grandchildren Carima and Jamil Abubaker.
Alice also leaves 20 beloved nieces and nephews who affectionately just call her "Auntie".
Growing up in a family of 12 during the depression was difficult and Alice had to help look after and care for her younger siblings for most of her childhood. She learned to sew at an early age and became an amazing seamstress. She loved doing clothing alterations for family and friends and often made many of her own outfits.
Alice contributed to the war effort by working in an aircraft plant in Prince Albert from 1939 - 43. While working there she met Harold Thew who was with the RCAF and stationed nearby. They married in Calgary in 1943 and in 1946 moved to the Sunnyside area of White Rock, where some of the Higgins family were now living, and never left.
After raising her family Alice worked at a few jobs in White Rock, but the one she was most proud of was when she trained and worked as a LPN at White Rock Hospital in the late 60's to early 70's where her caring and compassion for people excelled.
As Mom grew older some of the usual things with aging started to fail her, but the one thing that never failed was her incredible memory for detail of her family's life and history which she recorded in her memoir's that she wrote while in her late 80's.
Alice was a very special lady and a beautiful person inside and out. She always dressed beautifully and was a very caring and giving person with a wonderful sense of humour. She touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to meet her.
Words cannot express how much she will be missed and how blessed we were to have her in our lives.
God bless you Mom, and thanks for so many wonderful memories.
The family extends our thanks and gratitude to the staff at Weatherby 2 which was home to Mom for the last 5 years.
There will be no service on request.