We Remember
THOMAS, Elizabeth “Lynne”
March 4, 1944 — February 25, 2024
Lynne Thomas passed away peacefully on February 25, 2024, in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 79 years. She is survived by her daughters Laura and Robyn, and grandchildren Amelia and Rowan. She was predeceased by her husband Fred.
Born in South Africa, Lynne went on to live in three countries and travelled the world. Over her lifetime Lynne took on many roles; wife, mother, grandmother, Registered Nurse, Counsellor, Midwife, Hairdresser, and Reiki practitioner. A caring and compassionate woman, her interest in “A Course of Miracles” informed her interactions with the world.
Lynne enjoyed her book club, bridge, tennis, yoga and travelling. She was loving, spunky, kind, just a bit naughty, and will be missed by those who loved her.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A reception will follow in the Club House at Discovery Bay Resort, 1088 Sunset Drive, Kelowna, BC, If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
As an expression of sympathy, flowers may be sent to Springfield Funeral Home, 220 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
Monday, March 4, 2024, at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Reception to follow at the Club House at Discovery Bay Resort, 1088 Sunset Drive, Kelowna, BC
Dear Laura and Robyn
My. Condolences on the loss of your mum. I’m so very happy and grateful that Stephen and I had such a wonderful time with Lynne and both of you in September- what a grace it has turned out to be. Her loss was unexpected and Stephen joins me in sending comfort, sympathy and love as you grieve. Huge hugs from us both. xoxo
Dear Laura and Robyn,
We are both feeling your loss having been close friends of Lynne’s for over 60 years, in South Africa and North America. During that time she has been a crucial support to us in many different ways.
Her passing leaves a gap in our lives.
With love,
Ian and Leslie
Dear Laura and Robyn, I am thinking of you both today as you say your goodbyes. Our families have been close friends for well over 70 years with many happy times spent together. My folks lived both your parents and we lived in the basement of your family when we first married. Much to remember with love and laughter and I hope that you feel held by the love you receive today. Hugs to both of you, Diana
I shared many happy and fun times with Lynne once we were on our own and also as a foursome in the Netherlands and in Canada. It was always fun and relaxing. We didn’t meet for many years but kept in touch. I shall miss her.
I knew your Mother thru our shared love of Bridge. From kitchen bridge to duplicate bridge I always looked forward to seeing her. Was it her irreverent humour, her sense of fun or her mischievous nature? Quite likely, all three! I recall fondly one epic, ladies bridge weekend to Washington. Ooh my head hurt from the wine, my stomach ached from the laughter and your Mother at the centre of it all. We lunched, wined and dined many times together thru the years and her presence always made the event special.. I will miss your Mother.
Sincere condolences, Diane Valentini
We are very sorry to hear about your mom, With our deepest sympathy to both of you. You Mother was a good friend to us for many years. May you comfort in each other and the many happy memories you share.
Our thoughts and love are with you today.
Sincerely John & Pat Ginou
Laura and Robyn please know that although we are not there with you, we are with you in heart and in spirit as you live through this very sad time of your moms passing. We shared many happy times together and we will all miss her very much. Our love and strength to you both. Laura, Lars, Oscar and Kirsten
To the family our condolences, we have recently been through the same pain when Lynne’s close friend Carol Sulcas passed away. Allow me to share this poem.
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back.
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,
Or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she has gone,
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what she would want:
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
My deepest condolences to Lynn’s family! My heart just broke reading of dear Lynn’s passing. She became a massage client of mine and though I haven’t seen her for some time now, she has always held a special place in my heart because of the beautiful, thoughtful and kind woman she was. I still have the orchid she brought me when my first daughter was born almost 10 years ago now.
Dearest Robyn and Laura
Sam and I are thinking of you both on this day and all others as you send your way through the sorrow of losing your mum. It’s always a real jolt in our loves as daughters as the relationship with our mum is the strongest we will ever have. Loving you both from afar and wishing you strength and wisdom during this time of grief.
I loved your mum so much she was a confidant to me a friend and a fun companion at all times,her support and caring was beyond.
I will miss you my friend you are leaving a large hole in the Princeton gang.
Losing your mum
Was saddened to hear news of Lynne’s passing from two mutual friends with whom she shared tennis games and book discussion when she lived in Princeton.. Indeed we missed her when she moved from this community as she was full of fun and vitality. Lynn and Robyn will miss her presence as will the friends she has left with so many special memories.
We were sad to hear of Lynn’s death. She was a good friend to our family and we had lots of good laughs when we were visiting Princeton. Our sympathy to all the family. She will be missed.
Laura and Robin
My Prayers are with you both today. I have many many fond memories of Lynne from when we were all just little kids growing up in South Africa. Life spread us all over the planet, but then when when we were together it was like we were never apart. We were part of one big fimily. Lynne was a very special person, I will miss her.
Lots of love again
Brett
A lifetime of memories, wonderful family friends for decades. We will miss you dear Lynne, Go gently and rest in peace. .. our thoughts are with your daughters . . Much love Jill and family
Dear Robyn and Laura: I’m so sorry and my heartfelt condolences to you both. Thank heaven that nothing can ever take away from us those whom we carry deepest in our heart. I can raise my glass to that. A certainly celebrate the memories we share with Lynne.
Dearest, Laura
Our heartfelt love and fondest wishes go to You Chris, Amelia Rowan and Rob Robyn . Your Mumma was the most beautiful lady and she has given you guys so many wonderful gifts of knowledge and love along the way.
We are wrapping our arms around you all wish I could’ve been there to support you. All our love always Deb Rob familyXxxx
That was a lovely service. Best wishes to you , Laura, and to Robyn whom I don’t know.
Let your happy memories carry you through the tough days. You will miss your parents. They gave you a lot.
Dear Robyn and Laura.. my sincere sympathy on the passing of Lynne. Our Princeton Years were full of memories of both your Mom and Dad. I was . . I was hoping I could make Thankfull for her support when I had cancer, and and my participation in Fred’s memorial and “Did it My Way ” song is discriptive of both Fred and Lynne. I was hoping I could be there but the weather was against driving there. Thinking of you both Blessings
Dear Laura and Robyn,
The last time I saw your mom (and dad) was over 15 years ago when they visited with my folks when my son was so young, yet they, and you, have always felt like family to me. I wish I had known her these last years as well.
Your words during the service were beautiful. My thoughts are with you both.
Love,
Kim
Dear Robyn and Laura, Thank you so much for live streaming this beautiful Celebration of your special Mum’s life. The photos and stories really made one realize how many people your sweet and caring Mum touched all over the world. It was lovely to also remember your Dad as well, as they were both so kind to me when we all lived in Princeton. Lynne was an awesome tennis player and really livened up our games! I send you both hugs and love. Do look me up if you ever get out to Nova Scotia.
A beautiful tribute to Lynne who has had such an incredible impact on all around her and in her life. Seeing family photos, listening to heartfelt words and and hearing the music of times we shared like the Carpenters and Shosholosa brought back many childhood, and more recent memories of times with had with Lynne and Fred and Robyn and Laura.
From camping in the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, to chasing their bloody dog Gundy, (when they visited from Toronto) who outwitted me in a sweaty chase on a hot day in Calgary, to me trying to convince Lynne to go for a ride in my new BMW with my brother and I and giggling at her comment that “It’s been quite some time that I’d been asked to go for a ride in sports car with two young guys!” The Thomas’s friendship with our family spans decades and Lynne and Fred have left an indelible mark on our lives.
Much love,
Richard Austin