Thelma Christian

thelma-colour
CHRISTIAN, Thelma  (née Gosse).
On Wednesday November 2, 2016, Thelma Jane  Providence Christian (née Gosse) of Whitbourne suddenly passed away at 66  years of age, bringing a premature end to a life of laughter, adventure, and love.
After death, her organs gave life to three individuals elsewhere in Canada.  Born February 4, 1950, she was the youngest of twelve children of  Private John Gosse (1st Battalion, Royal Newfoundland Regiment) and family matriarch Beatrice Gosse (née Drover).  Thelma was predeceased by brothers Frank, Eddie, John and Sidney and sisters Bertie (Buck) and Elsie (Hendricks). Thelma contributed exemplary administrative skills to many
provincial and national programs. Her role as co-ordinator of the Diploma in Native and Northern Education in Labrador (TEPL) at Memorial University occupied a special place in her heart.  In retirement, she enjoyed the
beauty of her Province and spending time with friends and family.
Left with happy and loving memories are her devoted husband, Mr. Denny Christian; son, Dr. Derek Puddester (Luc Durand); step-sons Mr. Stephen Christian (Ms. Megan Leach) and Mr. Robert Christian (Ms. Pamela George); grandchildren William Puddester-Rose, Samantha and William Christian; great-grandchild, Mallory Christian-Speek; brothers Chesley and Edgar; sisters Ivy (Robbins), Margaret (King), and Linda Gosse; and numerous other family and friends, including first husband Mr. Gordon Puddester (Pat Shears).
The family welcomes visitors at Holloway’s Funeral Home, 33A Cabot Avenue, Whitbourne on Saturday November 5, 2016 (1900-2100), Sunday November 6, 2016 (1000-1200; 1400-1600; 1900-2100), and Monday November 7, 2016 (1000-1200). Loved ones are invited to participate in a celebration of her life at St. John the Baptist (Anglican) Church in Whitbourne on Monday November 7, 2016 at 1400.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Posted in Obituary.

23 Comments

  1. Dear Derek and Family,
    Please accept my deepest sympathies. Your mother must have been quite something to have raised such a caring and compassionate son. I hope you are comforted by many happy memories.
    Warm regards
    Lisa

  2. We are so sorry we cannot attend the services in memory of Thelma. We are very saddened by her loss and our deepest sympathy goes to Denny, Robert, Stephen, Derek and other family and friends. Thelma was a grand person and she will be remembered lovingly by all who knew her.

  3. So shocked and saddened to hear of Thelma’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Take care and God bless

  4. Derek and Gord, ( and family ) I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Thelma. I have great memories of her and you guys when I lived with you all in the early 80’s. I enjoyed working with her we always lots of fun and great chats. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

  5. So sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. My Mom Ella Drover was the sister of Beatrice (Thelma’s Mom). I can remember memories of my Mom and Dad sharing jokes and laughs with her. She was a great spirit and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all family members too numerous to mention. However, I would like to extend to Derrick as I knew you when you were little and to her husband and all immediate family . Love to all and I will eventually make it back to Newfoundland to share this wonderful and special place with my husband.

  6. My deepest sympathy to the families of Thelma,very knowledge and loving lady, she lefted with a piece of every -one heart and as lefted you all with cherished memories. A wonderful friend she gave the gift of life so,they could live God Bless RIP Thelma Hugs marg

  7. So very saddened to hear about Thelma’s sudden passing. I worked with Thelma in the Faculty of
    Education some time ago. She was a dedicated and devoted employee who was passionate about her work. She was a beautiful soul and will be missed dearly. My condolences to the family.

  8. It is with heavy hearts that we learned of Thelma passing. Our prayers and sympathies are extended to the family.

  9. Dear Derek(Luc and William) and the rest of your family. Deep condolences for your loss. Your mother has quite a legacy.
    Our thoughts are with you,
    Joy and Dorian

  10. Denny, Derek and family.
    Words cannot convey how sad and sorry I am about Aunt Thelma. Like so many, I have relived her life over and over through all the pictures that have been shared. So many family occasions that have gathered this fine group in celebration though sadness and happiness. The pictures sure make us realize that there was lots of Happy!! I am with you in my heart and soul every step of the way. With much affection. Cathy, John and family..xo

  11. Derek, You have been in my prayers all week. What a tragic thing to happen!. It’s good that your mom is going to help others. I know that you have wonderful memories to help you If you are in the city before returning phone or drop by.

  12. Derek and family, I am so saddened at Aunt Thelma’s passing. She was a beautiful, classy woman. I’m sure she is enjoying all the fine things in Heaven.

  13. My sincere condolences to Thelma’s family. I worked closely with Thelma when she worked in the Faculty of Education Aboriginal Student Centre. She treated all the student like family and was always there with caring and thoughtful words of advice. She was loved by all the students and staff. Rest in peace Thelma and thank you for all that you gave to others in your life.

  14. So sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. She was such a lovely lady and a pleasure to work with through the years. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God Bless.

  15. My deepest sympathy. Thelma was a beautiful person. When I first began working at MUN, I worked with Thelma at the Native and Northern centre at the Faculty of Education, she was a pleasure to work with and will be sadly missed.

  16. Saddened to hear of Thelma’s sudden passing – she was a good soul, quick to put others first and always generous with love, time, good food and fun. My sincere condolences to all who are missing her smile today.

  17. I remember how kind Thelma was at my mom’s funeral. She offered so much comfort and understanding. I can never hope to duplicate that gentle sympathy and loving empathy. While I can’t be there, I send my sincere condolences and remember a dear soul who will always be part of my life. – Linda.

  18. I am one of Robert’s staff at work and I am very sorry to hear of his step-mother passing away. I express my deepest condolence to Robert and his family. I really hope that Robert’s father can cope with his wife death.

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