Rollande "Bea" Thomas

rollande
Rollande “Bea” Thomas, 91, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Eventide on Eighth in Moorhead, MN, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Rollande Gilbertic Brunelle was born September 1, 1926, to Leopold and Flora Brunelle. She was raised on the family farm with 15 brothers and sisters in Wild Rice, ND and attended school at St. Benedict’s in Horace, ND. Bea met Robert “Bob” Thomas of Moorhead, MN and they were married in May of 1949. Bob and Bea lived in Missouri and Texas while Bob attended school for watch repair and diamond setting. They returned to Moorhead where they began their family and raised their children, Pam, Russ, Todd and Steven. In 1968 they moved to Fargo where they owned Hale Jewelers. Bea was a devoted wife and mother and a gracious host. She is especially remembered for her love of cooking and baking and was an accomplished lefse maker. Bea is survived by one daughter, Pam (Rick) Burchill, Fargo; three sons, Russ, Lakeville, MN, Todd (Linda), Mound, MN and Steve Thomas, Minnetonka, MN; six grandchildren, Stacy Yoakiem, St. Paul, MN, Julee Andrews and Will Burchill, Fargo; Tyler (Kelsey) and Dylan Thomas, Minneapolis, MN, Kyle Thomas, Mound, MN; six great grandchildren, Cody and Alex Andrews, Honorae and Mathias Burchill all of Fargo and Sebastian and Phoebe Yoakiem of St. Paul. She is also survived by Wally and Carol Thomas, Catherine Thomas, all of Moorhead and Marlys Burkett, OR, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob in 2010, parents, Leopold and Flora and all of her brothers and sisters. The family would like to thank Eventide for the outstanding love and care she received while a resident there as well as Hospice of the Red River Valley. Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with visitation starting at 9:00 A.M. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.

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  1. I’m so sorry to hear of Bea’s passing. I have many wonderful memories of meals and events with her, Bob and the family, both in Fargo and at the farm. We will miss her.

  2. We are so sorry to hear about Aunt Bea’s passing. I also have many wonderful memories of times spent with my Aunt Bea. She was also a great friend to my mother. Always something wonderful cooking in her kitchen! I am very grateful to have known her and will always cherish the memories I have of family times together. God Bless her always.

  3. Loved Hale Jewelers and the kind treatment provided there. My wedding rings and pottery came from this store and has been treasured for years. Bea and Bob will forever be in my heart. 💞

  4. So sorry to hear of Bea’s passing. She was a kind and friendly woman who loved her family dearly. She will be missed greatly.

  5. What great neighbors they were in Moorhead. We grew up together when it was still safe to play outside until dark. I remember the big “hand” mannequin in the basement. Isn’t it a blessing the Lord provides a place for us to be with out loved ones again. I hope that can bring you some comfort.

    Deb Sjoquist Jevne


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