Former longtime resident celebrates 100th birthday

Amelia Curnow came to the United States from Canada in 1923 settling with her parents and siblings in Wardner. She had two brothers, Bill and John Galloway, and two sisters, Dorothy Galloway and Edith Curnow.

Amelia stayed in the Silver Valley with homes in Wardner, Smelterville and Kellogg for more than 80 years. She attended schools graduating in 1939 from Kellogg High School, working in a bank, grocery store and for a physician. She married John Thomas, also a lifelong valley resident, and they raised two children, John and Kathryn, who grew up in the valley and later left for college, careers, marriage and raising their own families.

Amelia has four grandchildren, Nathan and Nicholas Thomas, and Scott Johns and Sarah Johns Hammel. She, also, has three great-grandchildren, Zachary, Alison and Tyler Thomas. Two step great-grandchildren, Madilyn and William Solum, live in Utah.

John Thomas passed away in 2006 and in 2008, Amelia moved to Rathdrum to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Bill. In 2012, the three moved to Coeur d’Alene where she continues to love with her daughter.

An open house is planned for the afternoon of Oct. 2, 2021, to celebrate her birthday. There is an open invitation for family and friends to stop by to share memories. Please contact Kathy for information: 208-966-4324.