Wealthy mother-in-law to Louisa Thomas, Amelia, is the embodiment of the hard-as-nails attitude. Stubborn and strong-willed, listening to others has never been an option for this determined business woman. A concerned grandmother to the Thomas children, she takes them in after they flee from their home. Although she is reluctant at first to accept young Anne, she gradually begins to develop a close relationship with her, making way for an attachment to be formed.

As owner of Thomas Lumber Mill, she finds herself embroiled in a battle with the unhappy mill workers. While her demeanour sometimes comes across as being frigid to those around her, with a little prodding, her generosity eventually comes out.