Obituary of Elizabeth Workman Thomsen
Elizabeth Workman Thomsen left this world on May 29th, 2026 in the same way she lived in it, surrounded by love and family. Elizabeth was born February 11, 1943 to George and Gladys (MacDonald) Denoon, of Westville.
She leaves behind her devoted husband, Ralph, with whom she shared a remarkable love story spanning more than 60 years; her sons Shane (Marie) and Jason (Tanya); daughter Katherine (Greg Vienneau); grandchildren Callei, Sarrah, Taylor, Reanne, and Vanessa; her sister Catherine "Kay" Hoare; as well as many nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was predeceased by her infant daughter Kimberley Jean, brothers George, Hugh, and Lindsay Denoon, and sister Jean Perrin.
If you met our mother, chances are she welcomed you with food, laughter, and a place at her table. She had a gift for making people feel like family. One moment you were a visitor, and the next you were sitting in her kitchen with something sweet on your plate, stories being shared, and fresh flowers nearby. She believed desserts should never wait until after a meal, flowers belonged in the house every day of the week, and family memories were treasures meant to be preserved and shared.
Elizabeth found joy in life’s simple beauties, wandering in her flower gardens, admiring blooms in every season, and spending summers at the family cottage in Melmerby, a place she loved deeply. Whether enjoying the ocean air, sharing meals with family, or sneaking sweets with her grandchildren, those moments brought her happiness.
Generosity was not something she practiced occasionally; it was simply who she was. Her instinct was always to give before anyone even had to ask. Those fortunate enough to know her likely have a story about her kindness, perhaps even the famous tale of her giving away the very bloomers she was wearing to help someone in need. (If you know, you know.)
She raised her children with unwavering belief in who they could become, teaching them they were capable of overcoming anything life placed before them. She remembered birthdays, family stories, and generations long gone, carefully preserving her family’s history so none of us would forget where we came from. She understood how deeply people need connection, belonging, and roots.
Most importantly, through the enduring love she shared with our father for more than six decades, she showed all of us what true love looks like. She taught us never to settle for less. Every strength we carry and every joy we celebrate has roots that trace back to her.
Elizabeth’s legacy is not measured in accomplishments or possessions, but in the way her family loves one another. It lives on in laughter that sounds like hers, in gardens planted because she taught us beauty matters, and in children and grandchildren who move through the world believing they are worthy, capable, and deeply loved.
The world is softer, kinder, and more beautiful because she was here.
We love you, Mom.
A private family interment will take place at Abercrombie Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Elizabeth’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s United Church, Westivlle.