On June 17th, 2016, Thelma was intered at Arlington National Cemetery next to her husband, Robert.  On a beautiful summer day in Washington, D.C., the Army Chaplain led her family, who once more surrounded her with love, in the Lord's Prayer.  

Some of Thelma's favorite memories were of singing with her sisters at USO shows for the troops during World War II.  She is now in the company of others who are the Greatest Generation in her final resting place.  May she find enduring peace.   

Additional photos of Thelma's interment can be found in the gallery.   

Our sincerest gratitude for the wonderful care that the Regency Heritage Jewish Home gave to Thelma.  The administration, housekeeping, maintenance, food service, nursing, and nursing aide staff were more than caregivers - they were also friends during the nine years Thelma made Regency her home. 

We are also grateful for New Jersey Compassionate Care Hospice who swooped in like super-heroes making Thelma’s last year one of dignity and comfort.  Colleen, a fierce advocate for Thelma and gentle nurse.  Pastor Jack - whose simple but beautiful prayers gave Thelma comfort and a Christian message of compassion and love. Cheryl - a dedicated volunteer who enriched Thelma's days with singing, good conversation, and friendship.  And last, but certainly not least, Ertha, who was much more than a professional, skilled nursing aide;  Thelma called Ertha her guardian angel who's presence would turn a bad day into a good one. 

You all exemplify the very best of your professions. 

Born in Tuscon, Thelma grew up in Yuma, Arizona.  From her eariest years, Thelma was happiest when singing.  As a teenager she and her sisters, Emerald and Alva where singing on Yuma radio and performing at USO shows.  She adored her mother, Ruth, and helped run their busy household and watch over her much loved little sister, Mary Lou.  She loved learning and often told stories about her favorite subjects and teachers at Yuma High School.  A diligent student and a hard worker, Thelma worked the local movie theatre after school and on weekends.  This may be why she knew every '40s movie and who starred in them!

Thelma met her future husband, Robert, at a USO dance, married, and left home for a new life in the Midwest.  “I was just a new bride – a child really – that had never been away from home and was very innocent.  But I was so in love!”

Undaunted by the urban, industrialized (and cold) cities of Cleveland and Chicago, Thelma set about making a home and many dear friends along the way.  Her son, Myles, and daughter, Ashley, were her reason for living and she was a natural at being a mother to them and to all children who entered her sphere.  It follows then that Thelma was born to be a grandmother, and the bond she had with her granddaughter, Ursa, is so strong that it will last beyond Thelma's time on this earth. She felt fortunate to see her great-granddaughter, Asha, grow from a cuddly baby to a lovely young person. Asha enjoyed the hours spent visiting the nursing home; she enjoyed Nana’s stories and always seemed to understand how important Nana was to her mother. 

Thelma was happy at home but really blossomed when she entered the work world.  She ran the millinery and bridal departments of a large department store in Dubuque, Iowa, for many years.  As photos attest, Thelma was quite fashion-forward and reveled in helping ladies find just the right hat or wedding dress.

In Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, when she was no longer able to work, Thelma continued to help others through Spanish translation and advocating for families new to the US.  There are many children, now grown up, who were tutored in English at her kitchen table.  She often said that she wished she had gone to college to become a nurse or a teacher, but in truth she had accomplished this goal by caring for people in need and patiently sharing her knowledge with others.

Throughout her life kept singing and in her later years in the nursing home, she wowed the staff with the impromptu, a cappella rendition of “I’ll Be Seeing You” at a holiday gathering.  Thelma’s beautiful, clear, alto voice will be a welcome addition to the choir of angels.

Thelma will be interred next to Robert at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date to be decided by Arlington.  In lieu of flowers or attending the ceremony, please say a prayer for Thelma or make a toast and sing a song.  Also, your contribution of a tribute, memory, or photo to this site is welcome and appreciated.