Thelma Wallen
Thelma Josephine (Josie) Wallen was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. She was the third of Joseph and Rita Wallen’s four daughters. She attended St. Patrick’s High School, and graduated from Sir George Williams Business School. She was a woman of many talents. She worked as a secretary, part-time nutrition consultant, civil servant for the Federal Government, as well as an employee at the Royal Bank of Canada, and two hospitals: Reddy Memorial Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital.
During the years of 1955- 1957, she lived in the Bronx, New York. However, after that time she selflessly returned home to assist in the care of her father who was going blind. Even after the passing of her parents, she continued to live in Montreal.
In her spare time, Josie was a political activist, she loved to read and travel. She enjoyed a one-month visit to Tanzania, Somalia, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda and Ethiopia with Mother Moore, among others. She considered political powerhouse Stokely Carmichael a personal friend. Rosie Douglas, a mutual friend introduced the two of them during one of Stokely’s speeches at Concordia University, where Josie earned her Master’s degree. She will be remembered for her political prowess and love of people from African diaspora.
Josie had a keen interest in Montreal’s diversity, which propelled her to author her first book, “Multiculturalism in Quebec.” Her desire to help families led her to work as a family counselor. She had a love of learning and would readily disperse the knowledge she acquired.
Josie was featured in several informational newspaper articles that aided in the understanding of the cultural dynamics of Kwanzaa, as well as the importance of good health and nutrition. She valued education and was quoted as saying: “Your first 30 years of life you spend learning, then the next 30 – 60 years will go by in a flash… so eat the best foods you can and exercise.” She would walk, bicycle ride, play tennis and go swimming to keep fit.
At the age of 82, Thelma Josephine Wallen entered eternal life to once again join her parents. Her sister, Diana Dunham, of Detroit, Michigan, also preceded her in death. She is survived by her two sisters, Leila Tate and Shirley Moye, who both currently reside in Moreno Valley, California; nieces Karen Dunham, Cassandra Davis and Renee Durham; nephews Michael Dunham, Kelly Dunham, Joseph Moye, Marc Dunham, Andre Moye and Steven Dunham; a host of relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Feron Urgel Bourgie Funeral Home, 1275 Dollard Ave in Lasalle on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 11 am.
During the years of 1955- 1957, she lived in the Bronx, New York. However, after that time she selflessly returned home to assist in the care of her father who was going blind. Even after the passing of her parents, she continued to live in Montreal.
In her spare time, Josie was a political activist, she loved to read and travel. She enjoyed a one-month visit to Tanzania, Somalia, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda and Ethiopia with Mother Moore, among others. She considered political powerhouse Stokely Carmichael a personal friend. Rosie Douglas, a mutual friend introduced the two of them during one of Stokely’s speeches at Concordia University, where Josie earned her Master’s degree. She will be remembered for her political prowess and love of people from African diaspora.
Josie had a keen interest in Montreal’s diversity, which propelled her to author her first book, “Multiculturalism in Quebec.” Her desire to help families led her to work as a family counselor. She had a love of learning and would readily disperse the knowledge she acquired.
Josie was featured in several informational newspaper articles that aided in the understanding of the cultural dynamics of Kwanzaa, as well as the importance of good health and nutrition. She valued education and was quoted as saying: “Your first 30 years of life you spend learning, then the next 30 – 60 years will go by in a flash… so eat the best foods you can and exercise.” She would walk, bicycle ride, play tennis and go swimming to keep fit.
At the age of 82, Thelma Josephine Wallen entered eternal life to once again join her parents. Her sister, Diana Dunham, of Detroit, Michigan, also preceded her in death. She is survived by her two sisters, Leila Tate and Shirley Moye, who both currently reside in Moreno Valley, California; nieces Karen Dunham, Cassandra Davis and Renee Durham; nephews Michael Dunham, Kelly Dunham, Joseph Moye, Marc Dunham, Andre Moye and Steven Dunham; a host of relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Feron Urgel Bourgie Funeral Home, 1275 Dollard Ave in Lasalle on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 11 am.