Thelma Lucille Long (Eckdahl)

Born on a homestead north of Smeaton, Saskatchewan on August 11, 1937, Thelma was the youngest of five children, of pioneers Ida and Walter Eckdahl. A gifted student, Thelma had a love of learning, finishing school at age 15 and continuing to normal school in Saskatoon to train as a teacher. After teaching at a number of country schools, she moved to Choiceland where she met a young businessman, Dave Long.

Thelma and Dave married August 10, 1959 and welcomed three children over the next few years: Lindsay (1960), Pat (1964), and Maureen (1967). The family moved to Melfort in 1967 when Dave joined a partnership in the John Deere.

Thelma raised her family and supported her children as well as the Melfort community, willing to take on leadership roles in organizations and generous with her time as a volunteer.

Thelma had many interests of her own. She was a passionate genealogist, researching her own family as well helping others.  She was a founding member of the with Melfort genealogical society and took a leading role in indexing graveyards in the area.

She was an avid reader and a member of a bookclub for decades. Thelma participated in many sports and in later years was a fan of curling, the Blue Jays, Rapt0rs, Green Bay Packers, and the Roughriders.

A terrific correspondent, Thelma spent her life gathering pen pals—if you wrote Thelma, she would write back. She embraced technology and became a dedicated Facebook user and texter.

Thelma loved to travel and had many adventures: trips to Ireland, Europe, and Israel; lots of road trips throughout North America; and annual trips to the Yukon.

Thelma was predeceased by husband Dave, parents Ida and Walter, in-laws Matt and Jane Long, and siblings Kenneth, Amy, and Edgar.

Thelma will be sadly missed by children Lindsay (Hali), Pat (Sheila), and Maureen (Grant); grandchildren Delaney and Matt, Shelby and Nolan, and Jane; older sister Eleanor Bodnaruk, sister-in-law Florence, and brothers-in-law Hugh (Dona) and Earl (Dorothy); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A private Family service will be held.

Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions to a local charity of choice.

To leave condolences for the Family, please visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Melfort. (306)752-3838.

 

• Date : 2025-05-14
• Location : Melfort, SK