Obituary of Anne Thulien

            Anne Thulien went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at the age of 92 years. 
            She was born to Helen and John Durksen on November 5, 1927, in Sedalia, Alberta. The second of four children.
            Coming from a Mennonite heritage, their faith was always the centre of their lives. One of Anne’s earliest memories was of her father resting his hand on her head as he prayed. His words of blessing would follow her all her days and her faith was sure and uncompromising. 
            Life would change drastically for them all when on June 28, 1935, their father and husband was tragically taken from them. Their strong faith in God and their close family and community would serve to carry them through this difficult time.
            Life would change for them again when in 1943 Helen remarried and the family would move north to Hines Creek, Alberta. 
            It was while Anne was living up north she would reconnect with Obed Thulien who had come to Grande Prairie to attend Bible College. They had met years earlier as children through the home church meetings and Veteran Full Gospel Camp. 
            They were married in Grande Prairie on March 26, 1946.
            They would set up their home in the Veteran district where they raised their family of six children. 
            Anne taught herself to play the piano after she was married, and many family hours were spent around the old upright piano as together with Obed, she patiently taught her children to sing together and bring out their harmonies.
            She also played the piano for numerous church services and sang duets with Obed for many funerals and other church-related events. 
            Anne was a gracious hostess and mother to many. There was always room for one more at her table. 
            Anne quietly served alongside Obed, supporting and encouraging her family through all the ups and downs life would have in store. It wasn’t until after Obed’s passing that her strong, self-assured personality was fully realized.  
            Anne drew on God's wisdom daily as she guided her children, each on their own separate journey and yet all bound together in their faith. 
            Her family was her world and she made a point to stay connected with all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would come to embrace the “smartphone” and would constantly be texting back and forth to her children and grandchildren. And she would keep a digital diary of cell phone pics of those who passed through her door.  She loved and was much loved.

            Anne will be dearly remembered by her children Lee (Donna) Thulien, Lois (Don) Toth, Milt (Terry) Thulien, Yvonne Thulien and Nolan (Edith) Thulien and daughter-in-law Gloria Thulien. 
            She will also be remembered by her grandchildren, Brent Thulien, Ryan (Naomi) Thulien, Lori (Jeremy) Heigh, Aaron (Gillian) Thulien, Carla Thulien, Deryk (Kristina) Thulien, Byron (Lori) Toth, Graham (Carla) Toth, Stephanie (Matthew) Weisbrod, Kelly (Rick) Janzen, Kyle Thulien, Holly (David) Crompton, Pamela (Michael) Matheson and David Johnson, her great-grandchildren, Hayley (Riley) Atkins, Auston (Kayla) and Nash Thulien, Madison, Mackenzie and Jackson Thulien, Keaton, Kessler and Sarah Heigh, Jayna, Payton and Landon Thulien, Nicole (Tristan) McCracken and Cameron Thulien, Drew, Charity and Merody Maiklem, Kaleb and Anna Toth, Ellis, Hunter, Farah and Archer Toth, Jayce, Jaryn and Ayden Janzen, and Kian Crompton as well as great-great-grandchildren Grayson and Kena Atkins; and Cyrus and Hudson Thulien.
            Anne is also survived by her brother Walter (Irene) Durksen, brother-in-law David (Bud) Thulien and step-brother Lloyd Schuetz (Madalene) along with a host of loving nieces and nephews. 
            She was predeceased by her beloved husband Obed and dear son Eldon as well as her father John Durksen, mother Helen Schuetz, step-father William Schuetz, sister Helen Wiltse, brother Vern Durksen, step-sisters Violet Erickson, Dora Klassen and Ruth McLeod, step-brother Billy Schuetz and half-brother Benny Schuetz.
            Her family would like to thank all of those who have cared for her so lovingly, Dr. Agwaze as well as the staff and friends she made at Heart Haven Lodge and more recently at Points West. We are truly grateful.

            Her children rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28.

            Because of the present restrictions, a private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

            Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Anne’s memory to Veteran Full Gospel Camp.