Thomas-Bratscher, Tina Marie

August 11th, 2012

January 5, 1967 – August 11, 2012

It is with overwhelming sadness, Tina’s family announces her passing on Saturday, August 11^th, 2012 at the age of 45 after a 3 ½ year battle with ovarian cancer. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family and friends at her residence. She will be missed by her soul mate and husband of 17 years, Michael and her two loving children, Noah and Tara. She was the cherished daughter of Tom and Rita Thomas of Wallaceburg and daughter-in-law of Johann and Jessie Bratscher of London. She will be sadly missed by her sister and best friend, Angie MacDonald, her husband, Eric, and nephews Aiden, Holden and Ewan, as well as by her sister-in-law, Margaret DeSousa and her husband, Dennis. Tina grew up in Wallaceburg, studied journalism at Carleton University and proudly worked for 9 ½ years at London Life Insurance Company. She believed in and was dedicated to the Run for Ovarian Cancer, supporting ovarian cancer research. Many family and friends supported Tina during her life, and especially during her battle with cancer. This “village” gave her strength, hope, love and support beyond compare. She was grateful to have such amazing people in her life. Friends are invited to visit on Tuesday from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where Tina’s funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, August 15^th, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. with refreshments and companionship after the service. Cremation will follow and interment at Woodland Cemetery will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Tina asks for donations to the London Health Sciences Foundation – Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Group.

Charitable donations can be made to:

• London Health Sciences Foundation - Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Group

Tina's perfect world.

Tina passed away this afternoon surrounded by friends and family. She was an amazing, funny, true to her values, and very talented woman.  She touched so many people around the world with her blog. She said she was leaving an imperfect world for a perfect world.  Her faith was strong and that showed through in these final weeks.  The lessons we have learned from her will forever be written down so that we can all look back and see how short life is and to live life to the fullest.  Tara and Noah have so much to read as they grow older looking back at these posts.  I have lost my best friend, my T, my true companion.
Thank you everyone for all of your responses to her blogs and emails, they mean so much to our family.
Love you forever Tina
Michael Bratscher

Last Blog

Every time I write, it seems to be a little bit harder to do so.  The news just seems to be worse, and yesterday I found out I probably only have about a week left.

So this will probably be it for my blogging career. You will hear from Michael or Angie when I am gone. I won't be able to respond to any posts or emails.  I don't have the energy any more. 

Today I have to say goodbye to my kids and that will be one of the hardest things I have to do in my life.

Don't let activity escape, there is so much living still to be done. Don't let that bucket grow rusty. Keep it shining bright by continuing to use it.

Thanks to you all for being my village. For being strong when I am weak. For listening. For allowing me to grow and become a stronger person.

Don't forget who you are, do what you love and love what you do.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us" - Ralph Waldo Emerson