Thelma passed away peacefully at her home in Harbour Hill Retirement Residence, Goderich on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in her 90th year. Beloved wife of the late Donald Bode (1990). Cherished mom of Joanne and Dennis Drennan of Goderich, and Paul and Margo Bode of Aylmer. Proud grandma of Philip and Ansley Drennan of Waterloo, Laurel Drennan and Ryan Hill of Wyoming; Leslie and Kyle Difazio of Woodstock, and Ellen Bode of Montreal. Adored great-grandma of Elise, Maya, Brooks, and Lars. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Lyle and Jennifer Zurbrigg of Stratford, Shirley Lamb of Goderich, and Kendra Zurbrigg of Kincardine. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Cecil and Mabel Zurbrigg, brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Joan Zurbrigg, brother-in-law Glenn Lamb, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Elaine and Cor Rouw, and nephew Bryan Lamb.
Thelma was very active in her community, volunteering countless hours and lending a hand wherever she could. She was a dedicated member for over 50 years of Northside United Church in Seaforth where she formed many friendships.
Visitation will be held at Northside United Church, 54 Goderich Street West, SEAFORTH on Wednesday, June 17th from 10 – 11 AM, where Thelma’s memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM. A private family interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Listowel at a later date.
Donations to the Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
june.johns
Dear Joanne: late but not forgotten of your Mom’s passing. I seem to know her very well in many different places.with you..even your Dad and Mom at the Staff Room table at VPS and at church and on the street. I still enjoy seeing and hearing about your family and and also your Aunt Shirley.
Hugs, June
Rosemary Beange
Sincere condolences to Shirley and family
on the passing of your sister. Cherish your
wonderful memories. May she rest in peace.
Allan & Rosemary Beange
Julie Bell in BC
Joanne, Paul and Families,
Your mother was a great friend to mine, even though she was much younger. I know her loss is heavy but what a legacy she has left you all! We mourn with you all.
Ken and Deb Janmaat
Joanne and Paul sending our condolences. Your mom was a lovely lady always had a smile. Your mom would talk about back when mom and dad had the restaurant. She had a great memory always asking how the girls are. She will be missed by many. Cherish the memories
Sam, Kristen, Ian, Sarah MacGregor
We are so sorry for your loss. Thelma was always such a kind and welcoming person to us kids growing up. My grandparents, Gord and Jane Rimmer, were long-time neighbours of Thelma, and I have many fond memories of her. The visits on the porch and her giraffe collection are memories that will always stay with me. Most of all, I remember how she took the time to talk with us as we grew older. Please accept our heartfelt condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Joanne Maloney Flanagan
Sending our sympathy to all Thelma’s family. I enjoyed many coffees with my Mom-Laurene Maloney, Thelma and the other “coffee ladies”. She was always so interested in what was going with our family. She was very proud of her family and kept us updated on your activities. She will be remembered as a very community minded and caring lady. (I’m sorry I am not able to attend the funeral due to a previous commitment but you are in my thoughts and prayers).
Marg Henderson
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Bode family, especially Joanne and Paul and their families. You are in my prayers at this difficult time 🙏🙏
Hold onto all the beautiful memories of Mom/Grandma 💕💕
Donald and Margaret Harpley
Joanne, Dennis. Paul, Margo and Families,
May we all celebrate the life she lived, honour all of the wonderful memories she leaves behind in everyone of our minds, who had the pleasure of knowing her and know that the smiles and love she shared with each and everyone of us, will always stay in our hearts forever…
Thelma was loved beyond words, will be missed beyond measure and remembered, every single day.
Don will always remember your Jube, Jube cake…
We will love and miss your caring and passionate, sense of humour…
Donald and Margaret Harpley
Al Drennan
As Joanne’s brother- in-law, I have been in Thelma’s company many times. I always admired her love and committment to her family and friends.
She always expressed an interest in what was happening in her family and community. She loved her grandchildren and was curious about their lives and activities.
Thelma also had a sense of humour that was quite endearing.
My sympathies to Joanne, Paul and their families.
She will be remembered – and missed.
Starr Currie
We are so sorry for your loss. Thelma was a truly kind and welcoming lady whose warm smile and gentle words will always be remembered.
With sympathy,
Starr, Kenzie, Paisley & Callahan Currie
Richard and Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for all the family. We have very fond memories of Thelma during our time at Northside. Always helpful and caring with a great sense of humour and sunny disposition, her devotion to her family and her Church never waivered. We were so happy to have known her, even for a short time.
Carolanne Doig
To Thelma’s family and friends my sincere sympathy. It has only been a short span of time that I have not seen Thelma on Goderich St. or Main St. as she made her way around Seaforth smiling and chatting with all she met. Thelma was a part of the fabric of our small town and although many of her peers have gone on before her, she will be missed by those still here who crossed her path.
Joan Bernard
Thelma a very pleasant and cheerful lady! Always a smile and chat when we met in Seaforth or at an event somewhere. We met up on a bus trip one time, a fun lady also. I will alway remember Thelma with a smile and a warm feeling in my heart!
My condolences and prayers to her family! Rest in peace Thelma!
Larry Carter
Hello Joanne and family. So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May she rest in piece.
Keith & Gloria Wilbee
We are sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing.
Ray and Linda McNichol
Our condolences to you with the passing of your mom. It was actually your grandmother Mrs Zurbigg who befriended us as newly weds when we came to Listowel….but we always had such respect for your mom with her tireless efforts as a volunteer with the CCS. Our thoughtsbare with you at this time.
Gerry & Nancy O’Reilly
We were sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. May she rest in peace. Gerry & Nancy O’Reilly
Bryan and Lynda Vincent
So sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. We will miss the visits with her at church. Thinking of the whole family at this time.
Bryan and Lynda
Jim McNichol
Danica and I sent our sincere condolences on the loss of a wonderful lady. She was also up for chat when ever we would meet. She will be missed by so many.
Bill and Grace Campbell
We were sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing.
She was a very caring person.
God bless all of you.
Bill and Grace Campbell
Jamie Lambert
Our condolences and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Donna & Rob Middelkamp
Our deepest sympathy to Thelma ‘s family on her passing she was very sweet and caring lady and always had time for a chat. We want you all to know that you are in our thoughts. Sending hugs to her family. We sure will miss her smile in church. RIP THELMA !!!! Sending hugs to you Thelma.
Cathie (Sim) Alexander
Joanne, so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family at this sad time.
Joyce Ribey
My sympathy is extended to Joanne, Dennis, Paul and Margo and their families; and to all of Thelma’s friends. It’s time to celebrate Thelma’s fully lived life. It’s been with delight to observe the joy that family times brought to Thelma. Family was so dear to her. Equally dear to her was her circle of friends with whom she enjoyed so many precious times. I will always cherish the visits I enjoyed with her. So many great memories. Blessed are all of us who crossed paths with Thelma.
Harvey Tribe
Paul, Margo and all Bode family members,
Kathleen and I extend our sincerest sympathy and condolences on the recent passing of Thelma. I recently read the following quote:
The measure of worth of a person regardless of birth.
“ask not how she died but rather how she lived,
ask not what she gained but rather what she gave”.
Mandy Reid
Dear Joanne, Dennis & family.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all with the loss of Thelma.
May the beautiful memories of Thelma comfort you all through the emotional journey ahead.
Our deepest condolences.
Gary & Mandy Reid
Chris and Doug Fry
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom. She was a special lady who always had a kind word each time we met up with her.
Kim Monden
I’m sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. She was a neighbour for a few years and my cat would often visit her in her apartment. She always said he liked salmon best!
May she rest in peace.
Barry and Brenna Vincent
We are so sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. Sending our deepest condolences to the entire family. May she rest in eternal peace 🌹
Liz (Pryce) Jenkin
Joanne and Family
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother.
Liz (Pryce) Jenkin
Joanne and Family
My deepest condolences of the loss of your mother.
Connie & Mike Marion
Sending sincere condolences to Joanne & Paul and your families at this time of sadness. May your cherished memories bring comfort.
Frances & Peter Kling
Our deepest sympathies Joanne, Paul and families.
Always enjoyed the shared pictures on Facebook of your mom and all those grand kids.
She surely loved those get togethers.
Thelma was a lovely person.
Mike and Lesley Ash
Thelma was a wonderful person who will be very much missed. Our condolences to the family.
Carol Moore
My deepest sympathy to Thelma’s family. We had alot of good fun and memories with the Seaforth Harmony Hi-Lites.
Brian and Jean Hill n family
We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the family n community of both Seaforth n Goderich Harbour Hill Retirement home. Thelma was a pleasure to meet n converse with and will most definitely be missed. Our thoughts are with you all.
Greg & Kathy O’Reilly
Sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mom/Grandma. Thelma was always up for a good chat when we met on the street. She will be missed! RIP Thelma!
Tom and Bonnie Johnston
Thelma was a very kind soul who was sharp as a tac. She always was caring for other with so much compassion. She will be missed by so many.
Helen Southgate
Sending sincere condolences to all of Thelma’s family at this time of sadness. May your cherished memories bring comfort.
Larry and Dianne McGrath
Joanne, Dennis, Paul, Margo and families. We extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of Thelma. She was a valued member of our community and she will be missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Barbara Main
I’m so sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. I really enjoyed the many pictures that came my way on computer of her enjoying her great grand children.
My condolences to the family at this time.
Barbara Main
Kim & George Kruse
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing Joanne. May your many memories help comfort you. She was a wonderful Lady.
Patricia Campbell-Sweeney
I had the pleasure of seeing Thelma mornings as her PSW and enjoyed the time of hearing about family members esp the great grand children. We had conversations about what she had been doing since our last visit. It was enjoyable and I will miss her dearly.
Janice Carnochan
Joanne and Family,
Deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom. Many good memories of her , always a hello and a smile. Thinking of you all now and in the days ahead.
Gord and Janice
Jenn Cartwright
Thelma seemed like a wonderful lady. Sending love to all those whose lives she impacted. Blessings. Jenn
Gordon & Irma Pryce
Thelma was a loving and caring person. Always with a smile.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.
Sincerely, Gordon & Irma Pryce
Bruce and Sharon Wilbee
Dear Joanne , Paul and Families
We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.
Our condolences to you all.
Peggy Elligsen
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss Paul and Margo and family. I met your Mom many years ago when I worked for a short time at Kilbarcken Nursing Home and we became friends.
Hieu Reid
Paul , Margo & family! I am sorry for the loss of your beloved mother & grandmother! Sending thoughts and prayers to you all!
Christie Zurbrigg
I loved seeing Thelma at the family reunions and always loved her Facebook updates and comments. She was quick witted and always made me smile. Sorry for your loss xo
Ann (Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Eileen Greidanus
All my sympathy to the family. Thelma was an amazing lady and will be missed by many
Connie Trotter
Sending my sincere condolences to all of Thelma’s family. I got to know Thelma through Northside, and she was a lovely, kind lady. I always enjoyed our chats and admired her resilience, determination, and positive spirit.
May you cherish your wonderful memories of her and find comfort in the love she shared with so many. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Thelma, I hope your Uber driver was there to greet you. I will miss you dearly.
Gary and Dianne Bennett
With our deepest sympathy on Thelma’s passing, to the family.
Mar y and RayBuffinga
Joanne, Dennis and family, we are sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Many enjoyed her company, and many of us will miss her. Always remember the good times you spent with her.
Gary Jewitt
My condolences on the passing of your mother. Memories of her & all your family go back many years.
Maureen Wildfong
I was saddened to hear of Thelma’s passing. She sure was special and special people you never forget
Thinking of each and everyone
Rick and Margaret McInroy
Please accept our condolences.
Treasure your memories and let them ease your sorrow at this time.