With heavy hearts, the family of Thelma Binnie announces her peaceful passing on July 13, 2026, at the age of 91.
Thelma was born in Winnipeg, MB on August 17, 1935. She spent a few years in Quebec as a young child before settling in St. Boniface for most of her formative years. After finishing high school, she pursued Nurse’s Training because of her father’s heart issues. Sadly, she had to leave the program due to hepatitis. With her nursing dreams cut short, Thelma discovered that teaching was where her true passion lay and decided to enroll in Normal School.
In July of 1955, Thelma went on a blind date with Lionel Bruce Binnie, an RAF officer training in Winnipeg. He made the rookie mistake of arriving with a handlebar moustache. True to form, Thelma refused to be seen with him until he shaved it off. From that first meeting onward, it was clear they were meant for each other. During their third date, Dad popped the question; Mom laughed and told him to come back when he grew up since neither had even turned 20 yet. Bruce being Bruce took this advice seriously and returned home to England but didn’t stop trying to win her over with letters and gifts sent across the ocean. In 1959, she followed him to the Middle East; they got married in Akrotiri, Cyprus on August 3rd that same year. This marked the start of their life together across three continents and two children before finally returning home to Canada.
Once back in Canada, Mom resumed teaching as a supply teacher. After moving to Thunder Bay in 1971, she worked for a few years at Zellers Northwood before landing a teaching position at W. J. Griffis Centre. She truly enjoyed that job and loved working with the children.
While Thelma found fulfillment working with disabled kids, her happiest moments were always spent at home surrounded by family. In her free time, she knitted, crocheted, and sewed clothes for loved ones. She had a passion for baking and spent countless hours playing board games and cards with family.
After retiring, Thelma cherished every moment spent at camp on Whitefish Lake. Eventually embracing technology became easier for her; the Internet became quite valuable after Bruce passed away in 2016.
Thelma is survived by her daughters: Jacqueline (David), Gillian, and Loredana (Ken). Also mourning are her grandchildren Andrew (Tammy), Mark (Kaitlyn), Matthew (Krista), Sarah (Aaron), Johanna; along with her adored great-granddaughter ‘The Little One’ Alyssa. Her childhood friend Lea will miss her dearly as will Kirigan, her furry companion. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, in-laws, and beloved husband Bruce.
The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Gleason and all medical staff who cared for her these past few years especially Greg from TBRHSC’s RN team who treated our mother so kindly and respectfully as well as everyone from fifth floor nursing staff at St. Joseph’s hospital during this time period; additionally we want thank Sherri-her palliative nurse-for making us feel like our mom was more than just another patient-and Jennifer-who cared for Mom on that last day-your compassion did not go unnoticed.
Cremation has taken place along with plans for a private family service scheduled later on down the line. In lieu of flowers , donations can be made towards either Heart & Stroke Foundation or any charity you choose.
