Mrs. Lavina Thiessen (nee Crate), age 79 years, passed away on Sunday March 3, 2019 surrounded by family. Lavina was born March 26, 1939 in Fisher River Cree Nation, Manitoba. She spent many of her adulthood years in Ear Falls, Ontario raising her family, until she had to move to Thunder Bay for health reasons.

Lavina loved her family and was always happiest when they were around her. Mom loved the outdoors, whether it was blueberry picking, walking, cross country skiing, or any outdoor activity she could find to do. She loved when her grandchildren would come to visit, she was willing to ride bikes, ride golf carts, bake, and drop everything to be with them. She was known as "Gran".

She is survived by her husband of 61 years Ray Thiessen; children: Joyce, (Faron), Raymond, Robert, Roger, Ronald (Laura), Judy (Chris), Janice (Paul); grandchildren: Carmen (Colin), Stephanie (Peter), Ryan, Justin, Ben, Adam, Taylor, Paige, Jessica, Christine; great grandchildren: Hailey, Carsyn & Jacob. Survived by sisters, brother: Madeline, Bob, Gloria & Janet, all of Manitoba and many nieces & nephews. Predeceased by her parents Mike & Janet Crate, brothers and sisters: Grenville, Michael, Annie, Dorothy, Jean.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 3rd at 11 am in the Ear Falls Whispering Pines Centre with Barry Cook officiating.

If friends desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.