June 3, 1926 – January 9, 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thelma Jean Bregoliss. Thelma passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 9, 2017, at the age of 90. 
Thelma is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Ronald Bregoliss, and only child, Steve Bregoliss.
She will be lovingly remembered by her sister and best friend, Myrtle McGillivray, grandchildren Shana (Chris) Semrick, Kristin (Mark) Ignacz, Ron Bregoliss, great grandchildren Leaf and Hannah, niece Roxy Mansus, and grand-niece and grand-nephew Michele and Chris Mansus. 
Thelma was born to Mary and William Biswell and raised in Kamloops BC. She attended St. Ann’s Academy where singing lessons fostered her undeniable musical talent and solidified her lifelong love of music. Thelma’s beautiful signing voice landed her a weekly spot on CBC radio, accompanied by her dear friend June Bregoliss (Koch) on piano. In 1943, Thelma moved to Vancouver where she worked for Boeing Aircraft by day and performed musically at night. She was awarded entry to the Juilliard School of Music in New York, but instead returned to Kamloops where she married Ron Bregoliss in 1946. They had a son, Steven, in 1950.
Ron and Thelma continued the musical journey together and took the lead in several musical productions. Over the following twenty years, Thelma accompanied Ron with an entrepreneurial spirit as they opened several businesses including the first Volkswagen dealership, Skychief Service Garage, Andy’s Hideaway nightclub, and Bregoliss Construction. 
In 1970, they moved to the family farm where Thelma’s love of animals was evident. They soon had cats, Pomeranian dogs, peacocks, Geraldine the donkey, and many Arabian horses. They travelled throughout North America for horse competitions and breeding. Thelma cherished her home at the farm for 45 years before spending the final years of her life at Gemstone Care Center. 
Thelma exuded strength in everything she did. Her incredible resilience and admirable determination will never be forgotten. She loved receiving visitors and never refused a cup of coffee with friends; just as friends would gather around her piano in song, we invite you to gather with us to say goodbye.
A Funeral will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at 11:00am at Shoening Funeral Home. 
In honor of Thelma’s love and compassion for animals, memorial donations to the SPCA will be gratefully accepted in lieu of flowers.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

• Date : 2017-01-09
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.