Margaret Thielen

1931 ~ 2016

Margaret Kukucska Thielen passed away on Friday, January 1, 2016 at the age of 84 surrounded by her loving family.

Mom was born on April 9, 1931 to Andrew and Margaret Kukucska. She was the middle child and only girl. Mom lived in the 1-17 area, attending Bankview School. She married Roy Thielen on February 22, 1960 and lived in the Allerston area until moving to Milk River in 1990. Mom had many interests. She was a great cook/baker and nothing was better than when the kitchen would be filled with freshly baked cinnamon buns, butterhorns, breads, cakes and cookies. Trying a new recipe was always on the menu, which turned out or not. From spring until fall, you would find her in one of the 3 gardens tending to the vegetables until it was time to can or freeze the crop.

If Mom was not in the kitchen or garden, she would be in her sewing room quilting or sewing a new outfit for one or all of her children especially for Christmas and Easter. Many a costume for Christmas pageants or Halloween costumes for the grandchildren would be created. No piece of clothing would be thrown out, but would be stored until there were enough pieces to make that quilt. At night while watching some of her favourite shows, knitting or crochet needles were always handy creating a sweater, throw, or doily.

Mom enjoyed learning new hobbies by taking Further Education courses – mixology, re-upholstery, and making Chinese food. These were a passion that Mom has instilled in each of her children and grandchildren. Mom was also a member of the C.W.L.

Mom is survived by her children Kim, Dolores (Duane) Pittman, Sheldon (Gayna), Lavonne (Perry) Reese, Kelly, and John; grandchildren Justin (Ricki) Pittman, Ryan (Sarah) Pittman, Kevin Pittman (Crystal Fandrick), Anthony Thielen, Brant Reese (Janet Wever), and Quentin Reese; great-grandchildren Rhett Pittman, Davey Jean Pittman, and Scarlett Pittman. She is also survived by her brother Alec (Eileen) Kukucska, in-laws Dorothy Thielen, Raymond (Ann) Thielen, Gordon A. (Pudge) (Maryetta) Thielen and Gladys Strilchuk, as well as numerous nephews, nieces and their families. Margaret was predeceased by her husband Roy, parents Andrew and Margaret, brother Andy, uncle Les Toth, and in-laws George and Katherine Thielen, Harold and Violet Hierath, Robert Thielen, and Jim Strilchuk.

Special thank you to Dr. Lewke-Bogle and the great staff at the Milk River Long Term Care facility.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at ST. PETER’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321 Main Street North, Milk River, AB. with Reverend Benedicto Tugano IV officiating. A private family interment will follow at a later date.