IN MEMORY of OUR MOTHER CHRISTINE KENNEDY THOMSON APR. 15. 1929- JUN. 23 .2025
In Memory of Our Mother
Christine Kennedy Thomson
APR. 15. 1929 - JUN. 23. 2025
Mom — Christine.
Darrick, here are some of my memories from Mom. I was born on Kenwood Farm on April 15, 1929, as the youngest of five children. Times eased over the years, but I remember the hard work during my early years. My mother used $300 from her father’s estate to save the farm during the Depression by paying taxes. My siblings, Cam, Don, Betty, Bob, and I had a close-knit childhood. Cam ensured my safety on the farm; Don introduced me to piano and movies; Betty cared for me and took me to amusement places; Bob was my childhood companion and included me in his activities through university. During the war, Bob stayed to work the farm, allowing Cam to join the navy.
Memories of Mom include her dedication to flower and vegetable gardens, late nights sewing, helping with barn chores during the war, and visits to Grandma Elliot’s with her remarkable humor and beautiful garden. Grandma was the only grandparent I knew, living to 105 years. Aunt Georgina’s cookie jar and the weekend “funnies” were also highlights. Mom, a former teacher, helped with my studies, especially math and English, and her family of five girls and one boy was notable for their endless canning and pickling.
Dad worked at his roll- top desk, participated in the Markham Fair Board, Liberal gatherings, church management, and was a superintendent of Sunday School. He was also involved in handling farm machine parts for Massey Harris. Despite the busy life with farming and frequent visitors, Dad cherished his family. He was from a family of five boys, although four passed away young. Uncle Alf and Uncle Tom were also influential, with Tom, a high school principal, challenging Bob and me with math quizzes during his visits.
I recall Uncle Will, a dentist in England, and Uncle Bert, who lived on the original farm and worked with Massey Harris. My early memories include making mud pies in the woodpile, playing hide and seek in the hayfield, and swimming in a galvanized tub, which Bob and I considered our pool. We often rode bikes to the Rouge River, visiting our Aunt Ethel and Uncle Herm Harrington’s farm, and fishing with cousin Olive. Summers involved haying and threshing, accompanied by the delicious meals from Uncle Bert’s farm helpers’ visits. Activities included playing red light, hopscotch, and skipping, covering shoe holes with cardboard, and roller skating. Bob and I played ball games while having lunch at home. I enjoyed eating watermelons from the patch, making ice cream, and gathering fruits like strawberries, cherries, and apples. We searched straw stacks for twine and tiny pullet eggs, earning a penny for each egg found.
The war years saw Cam, Don, and Walter joining the military; during their absence, we experienced food rationing, newspaper collections for the war effort, and picking apples at Maplewood Orchards when schools closed. We played baseball and bought a winter coat with the earnings. In school, we learned to identify various aircraft amid fears of bombings. I recall sitting in Cam’s navy hammock during his furloughs. After the war, the joy of their return contrasted with my own scar from a car accident.
Our long lane, lined with maples, elms, walnut, and chestnut trees, was a memorable feature, particularly the ancient elm with a high swing. Visits from Don, Betty, Ted, and Joan from the north where Don taught during the summer were special occasions.
At Agincourt Continuation School (A.C.S.), I participated in academics and field activities like jumping, basketball, baseball, and broomball. I played marches for daily assemblies and joined a group with cousins for music events. Jamie Bird, a talented cousin, died young while working for the National Film Board. Bob, another cousin, became a “flying” minister in B.C. I reached Grade 11 Theory and Grade 8 at the Royal Conservatory of Music and prepared for higher levels but shifted focus to figure skating, to my mother’s disapproval. I earned money cleaning for Aunt Ida and managed to buy my first figure skates. Dad drove me to Icelandia for year- round skating. I performed in carnivals across the province and later taught skating in several places, including Unionville and Scarborough, which I initiated, and elsewhere with Ellen Burka.
During this time, I participated in skating club activities and community carnivals featuring productions like Peter Pan and Wizard of Oz. Receiving red roses for my performances brought joy. Summers included skating at Schumacher and visits to family in Kirkland Lake. Winters were cold and snowy, with activities like sledding, skating over icy fields with our Newfoundland dog, and riding Shetland ponies. Christmas meant finding treats in stockings, dinners with family, singing, and music. Sundays involved walking to church and participating in community gatherings, suppers, and camps at Glen Mohr and Stoney Lake.
We enjoyed corn roasts, Red Rover, pull-over, tennis, and croquet at Kenwood. I started studying archaeology at U of T, but carnival season soon took over my time with art and sports. I remember Friday night TeenAgers at Heather Hall, school dances at Tam O’Shanter, and being honored as valedictorian and most popular girl—recognized for her mental, physical, moral, and social growth, with her name in bronze.
Since skating was seasonal, I worked summers at Muskoka Lodges, traveled west to Vancouver, and spent ten wonderful weeks at Banff School of Fine Arts, painting watercolors. Back east, I switched to oils, studied under William Winter, and painted both alone and with others. I loved painting, entered art shows, and sold a few pieces.
I believe in developing the ‘whole’ person—physically, socially, spiritually, and intellectually—and aim to maintain this balance. Since meeting my husband Lorne in a canoe on Lake Couchiching, life has been busy with a growing family, but full of joy. You all are my greatest treasures. I love you all,
P.S. for my four sons. Mom — Christine.
Today, we stand to honor and celebrate a remarkable life—one filled with adventure, creativity, and boundless love. Our mother was a spirited woman, daring and fearless, who continually stepped beyond her comfort zone to ensure her family lived in a world that was nurturing and thrilling, even when outnumbered by her four energetic boys and loving husband. Our memories are rich with the vibrant tapestries of summer days and winter holidays spent in the wilds of Muskoka at “the Camp.” Mom embraced the rugged beauty of nature—barefoot and free, gathering wild blueberries with us or collecting wood for open fires and bonfires. She turned cooking over campfires into an art, embraced the speed of boats we loved, and joined in the laughter that echoed around our campfires, sharing the songs that stitched our family together. Her legendary hospitality knew no bounds; she opened her heart and home to everyone, ensuring that those who had lost their own parents found new ones in her and Dad.
Despite her initial reservations about water, Mom dove headfirst into our “River Rats” lifestyle, embodying courage that inspired us all. At 70, she fearlessly took to water skis after decades away from them, challenging her grandchildren with her audacious spirit. Her talents were not just confined to the wild outdoors. As a former professional figure skater, she taught us skills that translated into agile hockey maneuvers. Her artistic soul was nurtured by her time at the Banff School of the Arts, and her beautiful canvases told stories of love and life that captured our hearts. I recall the day Ian showed an interest in painting at age ten; she encouraged him to draw first, instilling in him a passion for art that would last a lifetime. Mom’s life was a symphony of creativity, not only visually but also musically. Holding an ARCT diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music, she ensured our home was filled with melody, enrolling all of us in keyboard lessons, encouraging us to find self- expression through music.
In the kitchen, Mom was pure magic—her shortbread was unparalleled, and despite many attempts, its unique touch eluded replication. We recall waking to the aroma of freshly baked tea biscuits and oatmeal bread, drawn from dreams by the promise of warm, delicious comfort.
Her steadfast faith was the cornerstone of our lives, guiding us with prayers before meals, Sundays in church, and the fellowship of youth groups. Her simple yet profound nature shone through the absence of a middle name, emphasizing her clarity and perfection in all she undertook.
Our home was a vibrant tapestry, alive with the energy of pets— Mako with her playful litters, Tigre, Casey, and a myriad of fish, rodents, and snakes—all loved dearly amidst our mother’s impeccably tidy domain. Her elegance and style made her the most fashionable person in any room.
Mom’s parties were legendary, hosting gatherings that brought our extended family and friends together, weaving bonds with delectable feasts and fun. We fondly recall birthdays with coin- laden cakes, family movie nights with Laurel and Hardy or Woody Woodpecker, and Christmas mornings where presents extended endlessly from the tree.
In her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mom found pure joy. She delighted in the sound of their laughter, knitting families together under long-cherished values of unity and love.
Her passion for gardening turned our home into a vibrant paradise, especially when in their grand Orillia house. Each flower was cherished like a child, blooming with abundant fragrance and beauty after her own children had left the nest.
Even in snowmobiling and winter camping, Mom embraced every adventure with unique tenacity. She taught us skills for confidence and self- reliance, lessons we carry forward today.
As we look back, we don’t just reminisce about cherished memories but celebrate the enduring legacy of love, strength, and spirit she leaves with us. Today, we honor a life that taught us to embrace each day with courage, creativity, and love. Though she may soon leave us in body, her spirit will guide, inspire, and fill our hearts forever. Thank you, Mom, for all you gave us and for the profound gift of your life.
Love, Your Four Sons Mark, Scott, Darrick, Ian Thomson
After my own mother passed away in 1998, I was left in a state of profound grief and emptiness. I missed her deeply, aching for the comfort only a mother could give. Then, I became part of Mom Christine’s family. She welcomed me with love, and from that day forward, she became like a second mother to me. I loved her as if she were my own. Mom Christine left us forever in evening 23 June Thailand time and our hearts are filled with deep sorrow.
Mom Christine was a woman of grace, always smiling, al- ways positive, and filled with love and compassion for ev- eryone. She was the beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother of the Thomson family — a guiding light and a true role model for us all. After her husband, Dad, passed away, we didn’t want Mom to be alone. She spent her later years living with us in Thailand and returned to Canada each summer to be with family. At 96 years old, her health began to decline. Though her steps became slower, she refused to use a wheelchair. Every day, she would still walk slowly to the balcony to watch the ele- phants, to chat with visitors, to smile and greet anyone who came by. She loved those moments.
Even in her final years, Mom never let go of her love for beauty. She dressed elegantly in matching outfits, her memory remained sharp, her vision was still clear. But eating became more difficult. Swallowing grew harder, and despite many visits to the doctor and changes to her diet, she began to eat less.
One day, all three of her sons — Mark, Scott, and Ian — arrived from Canada to visit her without warning. The joy on her face when she saw them all together was unforgettable. A couple of days later, she left the hospital and came home to spend time with her children.
On Darrick’s birthday, Mom wanted everyone to feel happiness. I invited a stylist to do her hair. That day, she looked radiant and was full of joy. Six days after her sons returned to Canada, Mom stayed in Thailand with us, with Darrick always by her side. She spent most of her time resting, until this evening, when she gently passed away in her sleep.
On behalf of the Thomson family, Darrick and I would like to thank all the friends who visited, spent time with, and brought joy to Mom Christine while she was with us. A special thank you to Elan Sandberg who stayed with Mom throughout her hospital visits and right through to her final day. Your kindness and companionship meant the world to her and to us.
Rest in peace, Mom. Dad is waiting for you in heaven.
We will carry on your legacy of kindness, strength, and grace. Your beauty, both inside and out, will forever live in our hearts. We will love you always. Thank you all for your love for Mom Christine. Rest in peace, Mom Christine Kennedy Thomson.
“Saengduean Lek Chailert”
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