Margaret "Belle" Thorvaldson of the Saltcoats and Bredenbury Districts passed away Thursday, August 8, 2013, following a long courageous battle with Alzheimers. She was 82 years of age. Belle, as she was known to many, was a gracious, giving, kind person, friends and family were always welcome to stop by her home for friendly conversation and most times a home cooked meal. She always saw the good in everyone or in every situation. She was confident and non -judgmental and lived by the saying -"If you have nothing good to say don't say nothing at all". She was the rock of the family for many years keeping everyone together, carrying on the family way. Belle lived by many sayings that formed who she was and who she became. No one was ever looked down upon, instead she would simply say " don't be so foolish" or "wooden spoons and willow sticks". She had a profound love of nature and marvelled at its wonder. She loved animals and took a great interest in all creatures. Her family believes, a heart of gold stopped beating and two shining eyes finally found eternal rest. Belle was born July 17, 1931 in Regina, SK, married Edwin Thorvaldson on May 2, 1950 and raised a family of five boys and one girl. She maintained this busy lifestyle, all the while possessing the same gracious and kind demeanour which she was noted for. In 1994 she lost her husband Edwin but some time later found friendship with George Lutz. At this time in her life, they were able to travel together to visit family and friends and to share many common interests. Belle lived life to the fullest until failing health saw her become a guest at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home. The family has immense appreciation for everyone who had a part in their mother's long-term care. Belle was predeceased by her parents James and Kate (nee: Freeston) Thompson; her husband, Edwin Ronald Thorvaldson in 1994; her brother, Jim Thompson and her sister, Shirley Takach. She leaves to celebrate her life, special friend, George Lutz of Yorkton, SK; her sons, Greg of Toronto, ON, Donald of Bredenbury, SK. Gary (Rhonda) of Saskatoon, SK, Blaine (Yvonne) of Red Deer, AB, Garth (Connie Holland) of Swift Current, SK; her daughter, Yvonne (Lorne) Murray of Sylvan Lake, AB; grandchildren, James and Joshua Thorvaldson of Kitchner, ON, Jared (Kandis), Heather, Kyle, Cassondra Thorvaldson of Saskatoon, SK and Tyler and Coltyn Thorvaldson of Red Deer, AB; great grandchildren, Kade and Ella Thorvaldson of Saskatoon, SK, members of George's family as well as her extended family and friends. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Carla Laycock, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Rock of Ages", "How Great Thou Art", "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" and "Amazing Grace". The Interment Service followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with Kyle Gellert, Jared Thorvaldson, Tyler Thorvaldson, Lorne Murray, Christ Thorvaldson and Garnet Shearer serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
