A Calgary-area family recovered their mother’s stolen ashes after a public plea, with the urn found outside a funeral home in Chestermere
Calgary Family Reunited with Mother’s Ashes After Theft
Three days after their mother’s ashes were stolen and two days after a public plea for their return, a Calgary-area family received good news.
Anna Thompson, 74, died just days before Christmas. While her family was making funeral plans, thieves broke into her son’s home in Chestermere.
The thieves stole tools, an iPad, and the urn containing Anna’s ashes.
On Friday, after a plea for the ashes’ return with no questions asked, Thompson’s ashes were reunited with her family.
Family’s Emotional Response
“The last three days have been the craziest days of my life,” said her daughter Deanna. “We have been trying so hard to get the word out. It is truly because of the community and the media that this has happened. I am just so, so thankful.”
“I have every friend, family member, and complete strangers reaching out to me, praying for us. It happened today, and I’m absolutely elated,” Thompson added.
Discovery of the Ashes
The RCMP announced in a press release that the ashes were found outside a local funeral home.
The family learned about the discovery when an employee of McInnis and Holloway called them. The urn was found outside a maintenance door.
“There was a note on top of the box asking that it be returned to the family,” said Thompson. “The note said they were found in an alley and that they wanted to return the ashes to us.”
“It’s the best phone call I’ve received in my entire life, and the next best one was phoning my dad,” Thompson added.
Investigation Ongoing
RCMP are still seeking help from the public to identify two male suspects believed to be responsible for the theft. They have released images from CCTV video in hopes someone may recognize the culprits.
One suspect was wearing white sweatpants, a blue and black coat, black shoes, and a black hat and gloves. The second man wore blue overalls with yellow stripes and a white construction hat.
Final Thoughts
Thompson told Global News that her mother loved adventure. Reflecting on the stress of having her ashes stolen but also the happy ending, she joked that this was perhaps her mother’s final adventure.
Anna Thompson’s funeral will be held on January 17.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Anna Thompson |
| Age | 74 |
| Date of Death | December 16 |
| Location of Theft | Chestermere |
| Date of Ashes Reunited | Friday (exact date not specified) |
| Funeral Date | January 17 |
