THOMAS, Rochelle Sheila

Age 84, passed peacefully away March 22, 2021 at home with her brother, Bill, sister-in-law, Gayle and her beloved Dixie by her side. Born in Mahone Bay on December 28, 1936 she was a daughter of the late Loraine and Florence (Adams) Thomas.

She is survived by her brother, Bill (Gayle) Thomas; niece, Joni Lee Thomas and her daughter, Georgia Lee Thomas; nephew, Jarrod (Catheryn) Thomas and their children Emma, Mya and William Thomas; nephew, Adrian Nickerson.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Lynn Nickerson; her husband, Ray Bain.

Rochelle worked in her family’s business, Thomas Amusements, until she retired in 2000. She was a member of The International Showmen’s Association for many years. Early on, snowmobiling was a favorite winter sport she enjoyed with her husband and family. For many years, Rochelle spent her summers in her trailer at Fox Mountain Campground in Aylesford with her friends. Anyone who knew Rochelle, knew her love for animals. She delighted in every minute she spent with her many dog friends (too many names and breeds to mention). Dixie was her last dog and provided faithful companionship to the end. The door was always open at Rochelle’s house. She welcomed her many friends to drop in and stay awhile. Rochelle suffered from several health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and COPD. Despite these issues, she always kept an upbeat, unfiltered, positive attitude. Rochelle lived alone these last years. The love and support of her good friend, Donna, helped greatly in making it possible for her to stay in her own home (which is where, she made abundantly clear, she wanted to be). In the last months, Heather and Pauline were valued support to her as well.

Sincere thanks for her medical team. Her Nurse Practitioner, Schelene Swinemar, Palliative Care Nurse, Melanie Spence and the intelligent, comforting, honest and gracious, Dr. Debra Gowan. These people are heroes. We could not have had better guidance, compassion and care.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside committal will be held at a later date, when both her nephews and their families are able to come home from Newfoundland and Nunavut. The family requests memorial donations be made to South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society, Diabetes Canada or SHAID Tree Animal Shelter. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral Home, PO Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 (902-624-8241). Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca