KROMM – Thora Evelyn, July 13, 1919 to May 30, 2008. Thora Kromm passed away peacefully at the Heritage House, Stettler, AB at the age of 88 years. Thora is survived by son Alan (Judy) Kromm of Stettler and their children, Tammy Kromm of Calgary, AB, Terran (Tony) Dosen , Holly and Evan Dosen of Vancouver, B.C., Shayne Kromm of Stettler, daughter Audrey (Val) Hilker of Sylvan Lake, AB and their children, Carmen (Brad) Hilker Readman, Tegen and Caide Hilker Readman of Sylvan Lake, Nicole (Mike) Stuckless, Sydney and Hudson Stuckless of Ardrossan, AB, brother Gordon MacAulay of Lacombe, AB, sister Phyllis Robinson of Stettler, sister Betty (Bob) Layden of Red Deer, AB and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband John Kromm and son Murray Kromm. Thora was born in Empress, AB on a homestead. First of four children to be born to Norman and Mable MacAulay. In 1924 son Gordon joined the family. There they resided until 1926, when it was determined by her parents to move on to look for better land. Their next stop was a rented farm near the Forman School/Post Office. Thora’s early education was taken here. She was an avid reader and she did well. Here many lifelong friendships were forged. The family had several more moves during which time her sisters were born, Phyllis and Noreen (Betty). Thora lived through the Dirty 30s with the family in the coulee north of Prairie Grove School, in Red Willow district. At this time it was necessary for people to find a way to have fun so she was involved with the Star Ridge Girls Softball Team. Where she became good friends with her future husband John Kromm. Thora graduated High School in Donalda, AB. With no jobs available, it was decided that she would attend Secretarial School in Saskatoon, SK. Thora then moved to Toronto where she worked for a transport company in the secretary pool during the war. On her return to Alberta, Thora married John Kromm at Red Willow, AB in 1946. They spent many hard working and happy times on a farm east of Red Willow. Where they raised their three children. Thora loved getting involved in community organizations; Red Willow Ladies Aid, Cora Lynn School, (which her children attended) and many more clubs. Thora and John moved to Stettler from the farm. Their new home became the gathering place for many family and friends. Everyone was always welcome and a great home cooked meal was usually included. Thora continued on with her volunteer work, doing secretary work, or just helping at local organizations. She became very involved with the Stettler Town and Country Museum. She was always the go-to person if you were looking for past information on family or community history. This will truly be missed. After John’s passing in 1987, Thora remained in their house until 2005, when she moved to Paragon Place. Thora continued to play cards and enjoyed many activities in the community. A memorial service will be held at the Stettler United Church on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 2 p.m. with interment to follow at the Red Willow Cemetery and lunch at the Red Willow Community Hall. As an expression of sympathy, memorials can be made to the Stettler Town and County Museum, Red Willow Cemetery Club or charity of donor’s choice in care of Brennen Funeral Home (2001) Ltd., P.O. Box 193, Stettler, AB, T0C 2L0 who were entrusted with arrangements. 742-3315.