October 12th, 1942 - April 12th, 2025.
It is with great sadness that the Family of Thais McMillan announces her unexpected passing on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 in her 83rd year. Cherished Mom and Best Friend to her daughter Alexis. Life long friend of the late Barry McMillan. Daughter of the late Geoffrey and Isobel Hicks (nee Frech). Much loved little sister of the late Howie Hicks (late Dorothy) (Marilyn), and the late Shirley Trotter (late Doug). "Aunt Kip" / "Aunt Thais" to Pam McWatters (nee Hicks), Deborah Kohlsmith (nee Trotter) (Kelly), Kevin Trotter, Darren McMillan (Erica), and Stephanie McMillan.
As a very family oriented person, Thais spent lots of time with her family doing a variety of activities. She thought of everyone (extended family and friends included) often - keeping up with those nearest and others when they would visit - doing Family dinners, weekend and Holiday get togethers and more. Thais was an avid curler for many years and thoroughly enjoyed the sport. She also really enjoyed reading (most often with a good mystery novel on the go), bird watching, gardening, swimming, bowling, roller skating (she loved skating to the music at the roller rinks), ice skating, cross country skiing, and entertaining. Thais loved music - playing the piano, singing, and dancing all came naturally to her. (So did finding four leaf clovers!)
Her good nature and dynamic personality helped her to connect with people on various levels, and create lasting friendships in all aspects of her life. Always full of encouragement - she was an inspiration to many.
Thais shared her multiple talents, and creative artistic flair with all those around her designing original signs and writing incredible verses for all kinds of occasions, creating clever bulletin board displays with class, developing special learning centres, making her own hand crafted wood work for her home and much more.
As an avid outdoors enthusiast from a young age Thais enjoyed fishing, hiking, skipping rocks, catching tadpoles, whittling, and playing all sorts of sports - teaching and coaching them too.
Thais began her career as a Teacher with the Sault Ste. Marie Board of Education in September 1962 - retiring in June of 1998, a talented Primary Specialist. Throughout her time as an Educator Grade One was her niche! (Needless to say, she had "perfect printing"!) She started out teaching at William Merrifield for 3 years, then moving to Francis H. Clergue where she spent the majority of her career - only spending her last few years at Northern Heights. Thais actively participated in many aspects of the Teachers Federations at various levels during her career.
Thais' love of learning and teaching was clear as she engaged in learning with her students - and created learning opportunities for all her students, that were second to none. Within her classroom there was always a vibrant active learning community. Volunteers were welcomed - and active participation was always encouraged during learning activities / opportunities.
Thais gladly spent many hours creating wonderful displays - not only for her own classroom, but for the schools within which she taught - many productions were put on over the years for everyone to enjoy. She especially dedicated her time to Remembrance Day activities on a school wide level.
A genuinely dedicated Teacher, Thais spent countless hours outside of class time within her classroom and school(s). She was always working towards providing optimal learning possibilities for her students- and the strategically tailored and constantly evolving learning environment reflected her exceptional efforts!
Thais' love of animals was also interwoven into her classroom - as she got permission and incorporated Pet Days - having students bring pets in to visit, creating additional positive experiences for all within each learning community.
Throughout her career one of Thais' favourite extracurricular activities was coaching - especially baseball.
After retirement, Thais spent most of her time with her beloved dogs - Louie and then Ralfie. She also contributed many volunteer hours to St. Paul's / Westminster Church.
Always a determined, independent, truly strong willed, outspoken, passionate person with a real zest for life, Thais had an unlimited bounty of positive energy to share, and her enthusiasm was contagious! Her kindness, quick wit, genuine caring and compassionate ways, lovely warm smile, and hearty spirited laugh - will be remembered well. She had a style of her own - in tune with the times. A gentle, confident, generous, and loving Lady - Thais will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her - Family and friends.
A truly special soul.
Thank you to the staff at the F. J. Davey Home for the quality care Thais received over the last several months.
Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522) on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Funeral Service to be held at 12:15 pm. Followed by Graveside at Greenwood Cemetery. Thais was a supporter of many charities in the Community, as such in lieu of flowers, the Family would ask that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the McMillan family.