Whitney Pier
It is with broken hearts that we, the family announce the passing of Thelma Christine Ruth Darrow, aged 81, on Friday, May 15, 2020 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, where she passed away peacefully in her sleep.
Born on January 29, 1939 in Sydney, Thelma was the daughter of the late Gilbert and Marjorie (King) Thorne.
Thelma is survived by her three children, Kevin (Wanda) Darrow, Sydney, Darrin (Kyley) Darrow, Peace River, Alberta, and Jason (Jennifer) Darrow, Calgary, Alberta; seven grandchildren, Kelsey Darrow, Jessie Darrow, Chrissie Darrow, Breton Darrow, Jordan Darrow, Charlotte Darrow and Madison Darrow; as well as many nieces and nephews, to whom she was known simply as “Aunt Toots”.
Besides her parents, Thelma was predeceased by the love of her life Maurice ‘Dook’ Darrow and her brother, Wesley ‘Butch’ Thorne.
Thelma was a proud native of Whitney Pier. She believed strongly in education and graduated from the Business College in Sydney. Possessing sharp wit, unbelievable strength and a passion for continuous learning, Thelma taught herself a second language in French, in the mid 80s to translate many documents to help her husband trace his family tree. She was a talented seamstress making countless clothes, quilts and anything else requested of her for her children, eventually, her grandchildren and many others, many of those quilts are still in use today. She was an avid tole painter and was a talented baker/chef.
Before her retirement, Thelma was a part of the JR Mahoney Ltd team in Sydney River where she developed long lasting relationships with the owners and staff.
Thelma never liked to miss an opportunity to meet with her friends at the Sydney Casino. She was especially fond of the buffet dinners and enjoyed taking friends and family along with to her to celebrate the day.
When summer eventually came every year, Thelma could be found “Out on the Mira” at the family’s treasured bungalow enjoying a drink in the summer breeze with her lifelong friend, Aunt Sis. She
also welcome many of her cousins from New Brunswick and beyond to enjoy the summer days right on The Mira River.
Thelma’s two sons, Jason and Darrin want to extend a very, very sincere thank you to their brother, Kevin, his wife, Wanda and their three girls and their boyfriends who were there for Mom for the last 25 plus years while we continued our Alberta adventure. Whether it was simply picking up a few groceries or fighting through and over loaded medical system to get mom the help she needed, you guys were always there for her, “THANK YOU”.
Thelma will be greatly missed by many. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the CNIB in Thelma’s memory.
Cremation has taken place, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic we will be announcing a memorial service at a later date followed by one heck of a party as per Mom’s wishes.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a sweet lady. Always a pleasure to have a chat with Thelma.
From: Donald and Carrie Donovan
Sorry for your loss, It was a privilege to spent the time with your mom memories and laughter, she was lovely and funny. My prayers are with you all. I was a home care worker .
From: Barbara Kennedy
Kevin, and Family: Sending heartfelt condolences, on the loss of your Mom. So sorry for your loss, at this most unusual time. Take Care!
Sander and Bernadette
From: Bernadette Taylor
Kelsey and Chrissie.
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you both and your family.
From: Rose Fraser
Am so sorry to learn of Thelma’s passing. I’ve known her since the 1980’s and it was always a pleasure to “catch up” with her every Saturday at the Bay. Although I hadn’t seen her in a few years, I always wondered how she was doing. She was a kind, gentle person and a true lady. My deepest sympathy to her family; please know that others share your grief at this sad time.
From: Joan Pettipas
We are so sorry to hear of your mom, Thelma’s passing. She was indeed one of the nicest, sweetest people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Always a smile and kind word for everyone. She’s with your dad now dancing with the Angels.
From: Terry & June MacMullen
Our sincere condolences to Kevin, Darrin and Jason and their families on their Mom’s passing. As next door neighbors on Benson Drive for 32 years until 2007, we certainly have great memories of Thelma over the years. May she rest in peace.
From: Lawrence and Marilyn O’Callaghan
To All of Thelma’s Family.
Thelma was a very important member of our staff at J R Mahoney Ltd . Always a smile and whitty humor and very kind hearted. We all have fond memories of her at work and our work place get together staff parties, Thelma and Dookie were great hosts . Our sincere condolences from the Mahoney Family.
From: Wendell Mahoney
We want to offer our condolence to Thelmas sons n families , so sorry to hear of Her passing , we always had a chat n laugh whenever we met , she was a lovely person who won’t b forgotten .
From: jack n Mary Hawco
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing Kevin/Wanda and family. Condolences to all of you..
From: Lynn Hussesy
So sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing.I will miss her and all the little sewing tips she shared with me and all the jokes she passed on to Bart.
From: Shirley and Bart.
Kevin, Darrin and Jason, I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sonia Black & family
From: Sonia Black
Kevin,Wanda & Families
I was saddened this morning to read of Thelma’s passing. I first met your Mom when she began Home Care .( you were also there the day I came & may remember this ) She was so funny & spunky I liked her immediately. Then as we talked she asked if I was from the Pier & when I said I was , that set us together.. she said she knew it! You know how much she loved that. I know it wasn’t easy for her not to be so independent but you were so kind & caring . I just had to send a note from one Pier girl to another . She was a privilege to have met.
From: Bev Devereaux RN
We have lost a beautiful human being from this earth .But her memory will live on in everyone who had the privilege of calling her Mother , Grandmother,friend and beloved cousin…For ever loved ,Dianne .
From: Dianne Cudmore
I’m am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person and a great mom. I have some great memories of her and you 3 boys which I hold in my heart forever. Big hugs to Kevin, Darrin and Jason xo
From: Ruthanne MacIntyre
Sending my deepest condolences to Kevin,Darrin,Jason and their families. I was heartbroken to hear of Toots’ passing. She was a wonderful wife,mother and friend. I always thought of her as my second mom….especially when I attended nursing school in Sydney. I enjoyed listening to her perspective on life. I will miss her and our conversations. You are all in my prayers. Noreen
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a pleasure to get to know for the last while. I work with homecare and she was always a pleasure to see. She will be missed.
My heart is sad for such a beautiful lady. I do know she is at Peace now . She was always more than kind to me and we had a few laughs always. To Kevin Wanda and girls what an everyday loss .thinking of you. To all family friends my sincere condolences. From Ray Koziel who always enjoy Christmas with family at her home and many other Celebrations Thelma always had a smile. Ray sends his deepest sympathy along with memories of a wonder lady. R.I.P Thelma when the sun shines on the Mira River I am sure you are always there cheering family on to enjoy. Gone but Certainly never forgotten. God bless Raymond Koziel. & Denise Booth
You could always count on a smile and a great sense of humour with Toots. I remember her fondly as a neighbour, always kind and welcoming, and in later years when we’d bump into each other around Sydney and have a great ‘catch up gab’ about our families and the neighbourhood. Deepest condolences to Kevin, Darrin, Jason, and your families, on your loss.
Kevin, Wanda, Kelsey, Jessie and Christie,
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom.
From Billy and Kelly Webber.
Passing along my heartfelt condolences. Thelma (Toots) will always be remembered for her big smile and warm welcome. I would always enjoy seeing her at her granddaughters’ cheerleading competitions and dance recitals, which she’d never miss~I would always tell her she should win the best Grandmother Award. Thinking of all her family and friends at this very sad time…Rest in Peace, Thelma.
Dear Kevin, Darrin , Jason and Families. It is with our sincere condolences in this heartfelt passing of our dear Aunt Toots. She will be missed by so many and we r so thankful of all the wonderful memories we have. With love and prayers Jim, Paula and Emma Hickey xo
dookies world is now balanced and heaven is a little classier. thelma brought grace ,confidence and class to every room she entered.kevin you and your brothers are made of the same stuff.your former paper boy and your moms co-worker.your in my prayers.
Deepest Sympathy to Kevin, Darrin, Jason and your families on Thelma’s passing. As former residents of Benson Drive, we always enjoyed all of you as close neighbours and friends.
Witnessed many of Thelma’s beautiful crafts and fun manner at United Church “Time Out”for many years.
With our love and prayers for all in this difficult time,
Bud and Carol Farmer
Darrin and family, my sincerest sympathies on the passing of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the whole family .May she walk in the garden of Eve with her brother Butch .
To Kevin,Darrin and Jason, so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sonia Black & Paul.
To the Darrow Family
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Thelma (Toots). As former Benson Drive neighbours we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers during this difficult time .
Dear Darrow Family so, sorry to hear of your mom passing. was Toots 3rd cousin.,her Dad was my mother’s first cousin Mildred MacLeod nee Thorne. Always remember her beautiful smile on visits to her home on Bay street. May your fond memories of her help you through this difficult time. Wally Mac leod St.Thomas on
My deepest condolences Kevin & family. So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was such a lovely person.
I will miss this beautiful lady dearly. A second mom she has always been, and has always been there to lend an ear when I needed one. For all the great advice she have given, and keeping me tied to my Cape Breton Roots. For helping me through the rough times with your famous quote.
“If the good lord brings you to it, he will bring you through it”
My heart goes out to you all.
Much Love,❤️❤️❤️
Susie & Don, Cody & Nathan
Rest in peace on the Mira our dear cousin and friend “Toots”.
We will miss your visits to NB, and ours visiting you at your beautiful river retreat. Your smile and laughter will remain in our hearts forever! ❤️
Tim and Cheryl Morris, and family.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends . She will be missed. With all our love Aunt Ina thorn . And the magliocchetti..
Sending our deepest sympathy ,toot’s will always be remembered ,for her beautiful smile and her big heart ,will miss you cousin of mine 😢💕💕💕 Ann& Charles
To all the Family, Toot’s will always have a special place in my heart, Arnold and I have wonderful memories of her visits to NB. She always brought sunshine, we could see it in her smile!!! Our deepest sympathy!!!!
A wonderful and amazing person.I had many visits to your grandparents home as a child.Such a wonderful and loving memories. Your cousin Marilyn