ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our precious mom,
Thelma Mishkit

Until we are able to properly honor mom with a 'live' service, we wish for you to share in the memories of our beloved mother! 

Since this site will be an ongoing memorial 
for her children and grandchildren to view for a lifetime,
As opposed to sharing on Facebook or private messages,
 we invite you to share on this site by
signing in and clicking on ‘Stories’ to share a story or memory.
OR
Simply use the 'Tribute' section if you wish to express feelings or sentiments.

Also, if you have photos of Mom you wish to share,
please add where prompted!

We will be holding a live 'Celebration of Life' when it is safe to do so.
In order for us to have the ability to contact you
when we can safely have a live service,
please sign in with your email as prompted.

Donations in her honor can be made to:

      First Baptist Church-Shelburne
127 Webster Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
Or
Your Turn Consignment
151 Main Street
Vergennes, VT 05491
(Proceeds go to the Christian School)
        Or
      A charity of your choice

Thank you so much
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Dear Beth and family- Was so saddened to hear of the passing of Aunt Thelma. I always remember her to be a sweet, kind, and caring lady.
Deepest sympathy in your loss.
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
We met Hal and Thelma around 2010 when they made Shelburne 1st Baptist their home.  They quickly became like grandparents to us. We have so many sweet memories! “Grandma” had such amazing effortless hospitality. We were often included in their family holiday meals or special occasions.
They were faithful cheerleaders at our children’s soccer and basketball games. What a blessing they were. And oh the many, many amazing stories “grandpa” told and I was always amazed that she acted like it was the 1st or 2nd time she had heard a story :) From his involvement in making the Gatling gun; to the history of Fiddler On The Roof ( I should have asked grandma how many time they watched that together); his descriptions of special foods and restaurants or food carts in what seemed like every state that they had enjoyed. Even to the big pickles that he loved in a jar at the Hannoford deli had a story. 
My most special memories with Grandma were our Thursday mornings . We filled 2 beautiful teacups with coffee, visited and then had a sweet time in prayer together. Thelma loved her Lord and Savior, she loved her family so much and she loved her church family and friends.  What a gentle, faithful, sweet lady she was. She loved to encourage people and loved to pray for others. You will be missed here, but your impact on so many lives will last on and on. Her biggest desire was that her family and friends personally know and follow her Savior too. What a comfort to know, without a doubt, that you are safely Home and face to face with Christ your Savior.  
With much love Tom and Lynne Enman
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Dear Beth and all of your family. We hold you in our hearts as you ache so missing the best of mothers, grandmothers, mother-in in-laws. Remember how blessed you have been to have had her beauty, kindness, loving, acceptance, tolerance, and commitment to each of you.

She is in each of you as you grieve and move forward in remembering a life well lived.
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
Our family has had close ties with the Mishkits since I can remember. My parents were friends until they went on to heaven. Memories of staying at “the Ark” on Lake Champlain for a week or two. Dads golfing every day and moms sunning at lakeside. They were Uncle Harold and Aunt Thelma to me. Their faith in our Lord and Savior was strong in their lives. I will cling to those fond memories even through the tears. My prayers are with you all!
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Tim and Dede and family.My husband Art worked with Tim for many years at the U.S.Forest.We always enjoyed our get togethers with the gang from the Forest Service.Lexie Rye
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
I recently found some letters that Aunt Thelma wrote to my mom right after Mom gave birth to me. She was taking care of my sisters while my mom recovered. 4 kids of her own plus my 2 sisters and she found time to write a personal note to my mom everyday. She was a sweet sweet soul. Praying for you as you remember and celebrate her beautiful life.
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
Our family had the privilege of getting to know Thelma through our long time friendship with Tim and Dede. It was always a pleasure to have the opportunity to spend time with her. She exuded Christ’s love when you were in her presence and I would often find myself leaning toward her so as not to miss a word aptly spoken. In her quiet and gentle manner she listened to others with intention and her kind eyes would reveal that she was truly with you. I often wished I had a little notepad to jot down the words of wisdom that so gracefully flowed from her in such a way that you knew she was very connected to the heart of God.

Our family enjoyed her wit and smile that was always present in our conversations. We are so blessed for having known her. A lovely lady that now wears a crown in heaven in the presence of her Savior and loved ones who have gone before her.
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
Aunt Thelma, we will miss you so much.
"She is more precious than rubies and all things thou cans't desire are not to be compared unto her" Proverbs 3:15
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
Thelma was an incredible soloist and we we so appreciated her talents at North Avenue Alliance Church whenever she sang. I can still envision her singing right now as the music continues. 
February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
Thelma was a sweet, loving lady. The years that we attended church with her and Hal at First Baptist of Shelburne are filled with wonderful memories. Her love for her family and for the Lord were always was evident.
 I loved talking to her about cooking and gardening. But somehow I no idea she went to The Fannie Farmer School of Cookery!! That is so cool!! We love you Thelma and will miss you!
Kelly and Will Murphy
February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
Rest in peace, Mrs. Mishkit. I'll always remember hearing you sing at the beginning of every service.
February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
I had the pleasure of meeting Thelma as a longtime friend of Beth. I will always
remember when we met she had this genuine sweetness about her. She was so kind and made everyone feel comfortable in her presence. My condolences to all the family. She was a special gem from heaven. May your memories of her live in you heart forever.
February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
A gentle soul who is reunited with her family who have gone before her. Words are hard to express the emptiness of losing a mom. Memories sustain us til we reunite. So thankful I got to spend time with her at the family reunion. The last of her generation in our family. Rest In Peace Thelma and give mom a hug for me. Love you.
February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
A kind and gentle soul and the last of her generation. Loved that we had our reunion summer before last and had some family time. Mom, Thelma And Ned together again. Rest In Peace dear lady
February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
Aunt Dede and Uncle Tim I’m truly sorry your loss. May your mom Rest In Peace with her Heavenly Father!! My thoughts and prayers are with you Tim, Dede, Kurt and Gordie!!! And rest of family
February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
Grandma fulfilled her mission here with all of us that had the fortune of knowing her. She is a woman of faith and her service to others and faith in God is a gleaming example of righteousness and endurance. Grandma's voice, uplifting words and spirit is the sweetest thing I have witnessed. She warmed many hearts and she keeps them warm with her eternal flame. Love you Grandma!
February 17, 2021
February 17, 2021

A bright and shining light.
Thelma Miskit will forever be remembered for the honest and sincere love that she had for people. 
Not just for family and friends, but to all who had the extreme pleasure of spending even the briefest time with her.
Having the honor of knowing her has enriched my life beyond measure.
February 17, 2021
February 17, 2021
Wow! Where do I begin? Our family was so very blessed to have known "Aunt Thelma" for as long as I can remember. Our dad had been their Pastor in So. Burlington, VT, and after we left for New Jersey, our families rented a house on Lake Champlain almost every summer for many years! My memories of her include her laughing OFTEN at me for making silly comments, her remarkable patience, her gift of listening and caring for everyone, her DELICIOUS summer squash dish she made, and her singing voice. I was privileged to have her sing at my wedding in Missouri, for which she flew to St. Louis, and she and DeDe flew to our daughter's wedding in Wisconsin, a year after my mom died and none on my side of the family were able to attend. It meant the world to me to have them both present. I looked up to her as a true "Aunt" and she became like a second mom, as her kids were like brothers and sister to me ! She was a great Christian mentor, and I am so grateful I was blessed to be at her and "Uncle Harold's" surprise birthday celebration a few years ago. I thank God for having known her and I look forward to a great Heavenly reunion!
February 16, 2021
February 16, 2021
I had the best mother-in-law anyone could have wished for! She was such a mentor to me and always had a listening ear. In earlier years , she never chewed me out when her son and I had our disagreements and I complained to her about him. She loved me no matter what and always said I was like a daughter to her. She loved everyone unconditionally and everyone adored her. Her faith was unbelievable! She will be missed and NEVER forgotten!!

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Recent Tributes
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Dear Beth and family- Was so saddened to hear of the passing of Aunt Thelma. I always remember her to be a sweet, kind, and caring lady.
Deepest sympathy in your loss.
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
We met Hal and Thelma around 2010 when they made Shelburne 1st Baptist their home.  They quickly became like grandparents to us. We have so many sweet memories! “Grandma” had such amazing effortless hospitality. We were often included in their family holiday meals or special occasions.
They were faithful cheerleaders at our children’s soccer and basketball games. What a blessing they were. And oh the many, many amazing stories “grandpa” told and I was always amazed that she acted like it was the 1st or 2nd time she had heard a story :) From his involvement in making the Gatling gun; to the history of Fiddler On The Roof ( I should have asked grandma how many time they watched that together); his descriptions of special foods and restaurants or food carts in what seemed like every state that they had enjoyed. Even to the big pickles that he loved in a jar at the Hannoford deli had a story. 
My most special memories with Grandma were our Thursday mornings . We filled 2 beautiful teacups with coffee, visited and then had a sweet time in prayer together. Thelma loved her Lord and Savior, she loved her family so much and she loved her church family and friends.  What a gentle, faithful, sweet lady she was. She loved to encourage people and loved to pray for others. You will be missed here, but your impact on so many lives will last on and on. Her biggest desire was that her family and friends personally know and follow her Savior too. What a comfort to know, without a doubt, that you are safely Home and face to face with Christ your Savior.  
With much love Tom and Lynne Enman
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Dear Beth and all of your family. We hold you in our hearts as you ache so missing the best of mothers, grandmothers, mother-in in-laws. Remember how blessed you have been to have had her beauty, kindness, loving, acceptance, tolerance, and commitment to each of you.

She is in each of you as you grieve and move forward in remembering a life well lived.
Her Life

Thelma's Legacy

February 19, 2021
Mom was born on September 30, 1926 in Pittsford, Vermont.
During her youth she lived in Pittsford, with her mom, dad, and brother, Ted,
until the passing of her beloved mother, when Mom was 14.
She adored her brother
and was devastated when she lost him while he was serving in WWII.
Though she only had one sibling she idolized her older cousins, 
Ned, Fred, Margaret, Erma, and Till, and considered them her siblings.

While attending school in Pittsford, she got involved in the school choir,
 traveling all over the state performing.
Her gift of singing grew and flourished throughout her adult life!
Many who had the pleasure of enjoying her beautiful voice in church
are familiar with her stunning rendition of 
‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’
Her faith in God was as deep and as purely simple as this song:

Why should I be discouraged and why should the shadows fall?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion, my constant Friend is He, 
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy; 
I sing because I'm free; 
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.

Let not your heart be troubled; these tender words I hear; 
And resting on his goodness I lose my doubts and fears; 
For by the path He leadeth but one step I may see; 
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy; 
I sing because I'm free; 
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted; whenever clouds arise; 
When songs give place to sighing; when hope within me dies; 
I draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free; 
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy; 
I sing because I'm free; 

His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me...


These lyrics exemplify 
Mom's beliefs, attitude, and faith throughout her life!


After her mom passed, she went to live with her Aunt Bessie,
better known to us kids as ‘Grandma-in Rochester’
(yes, that’s all one word!)
She attended Rochester, Vermont High School and then went on to graduate from
Green Mountain College, in Poultney, Vermont followed by
Fanny Farmer School of Cookery in Boston Massachusetts. 

She then returned to Rochester where she met her sweetheart,
our Dad, Harold Mishkit.
They Married in 1947 and were together until May of 2019
when he went to Heaven to prepare
vegetable and flower gardens for her, while he awaited her arrival.
Five Children were conceived from this loving union:

Ted Mishkit, Tim Mishkit, Neil Mishkit, Beth Leonard, and their precious baby girl, taken to heaven soon after birth. In later years she welcomed more children through marriage. She loved Dede Mishkit, Melody Mishkit, And Wayne Leonard as if they were her own and they affectionately called her Mom as well. 

She was blessed with 9 grand children: Kurt and Gordie Mishkit, 
Emily, Ryan and Colin Fitzgerald, 
Isaac, Eli and Noah Mishkit, and Kelly Mishkit,
17 great grands and 1 great great, all of whom she loved dearly!

She brought up her children in the Christian faith, 
and from the time we were tiny children,
Mom and Dad began their day,
standing in the doorway of their bedroom,
together in prayer.

Mom was such a gentle soul, yet her graceful strength compared to none.
She was a patient and attentive listener.
Her nature was gentle, non-judgmental, caring, generous, loyal, loving, forgiving, and gracious….unless she was intensely involved in a game of Skip-bo!

Mom was in her glory when all of her family was gathered or when she was feeding and entertaining friends in her home. 
She was a devoted wife and garnered great pleasure 
from graciously serving and caring for Dad. 
As far as we are concerned Mom set the bar for 
how a true Christian ought to live their life. 

Mom worked for many, many years as a cook 
in the South Burlington School System, 
and was referred to by all of the students as the
‘Nice Lunch Lady!’, 
as she always had an encouraging word and a sweet, gentle smile.
Mom was loved and cherished by, oh so many! School students, dear, dear neighbors, church friends, of course family, and all who knew her 
over the course of her 94 years of life! 

Mom was the quintessence of sainthood.
Saint Thelma
Ya… that was our Mom!

Mom and Dad cherished their yearly summer vacations

 in rustic camps on the lake with our dear friends, the Harms,
 as well as their New Year’s Eve celebrations
 with their dear neighbors, the Hawleys!  
Mom and Dad held so very many people dear to their hearts, through the 
five churches they attended over the years, as well as neighbors… 
Linda and Pete DeVries, Tom and Lynn Enman … 
too many people to list here, yet each were equally as precious to them.
In their later years they enjoyed their relaxing yearly trips to Jekyll Island,
and their daily miniature golf competitions!


Speaking of competition…
Though mom was absolutely a graceful and gentle soul 99.9% of the time,
that remaining .1 % of the time, when she was playing Skip-bo, this did not apply.
Though she didn’t participate in nasty verbal banter during the game, her quiet vicious competitive nature could be seen all over her face!
This is the only time we might question her sainthood! 

Mom loved chocolate, little faces on pansies, 
birds, particularly cardinals, the color purple, puzzles, and reading the Bible.
She found peace and relaxation behind the ironing board. 

When we were kids her ‘get-away’ was to call her dear friend Gloria Stearns, 
and talk on the phone for hours, while ironing Dad’s shirts and the bed sheets, even though she only lived three doors down!

Mom’s thoughtfulness was evident in the millions of cards that she sent 
To ALL whom she knew, not only on special occasions but often, just because…
She was extremely sentimental and 
Her home décor was evidence of that. 
She saved and displayed everything that anyone ever gave her.
A hoarder of sentiment I suppose…
Though her home was ALWAYS
 meticulously clean and uncluttered.

Lastly, whether it was when we left the house to go out on a date as teenagers,
or when we went to visit her home with the grandkids,
what her family will fondly recall
is Mom standing at the window waving goodbye,
until we vanished from her sight. 

Goodbye Mom…
We are all waving you on to Heaven!
We love you!
You will be DEEPLY missed! 





Recent stories

Mother-in-law

October 2, 2023
Mom has been gone for a while now and I miss her more then ever now . She was a wonderful person and loved soooo much. She had a servant's heart like no one I have ever known, she never asked for much help ,serving joyfully to all her friends and family. Love you always, mom!!

R.I.P.

February 23, 2021
FYI        I've been in Thelma's life only the past few years- and only briefly @ that.     However, as a friend of DeDe (& Tim I'd like to think...) --- she quickly was "a friend of mine".

We met when she started to live in Ferrisburg.  So seeing the flowers in her hand for the obituary photograph will leave a lasting picture of this great lady in my mind.  Excellent choice!

Please take a moment to stare @ my scrapbook creation that "sums up what is so very important" to the Mishkit family.   YUP, "family".
February 18, 2021
I'm so thankful I got to view these photos and listen to the sweet music. Sam and I enjoyed taking a moment to remember Thelma.
We really only knew Hal and Thelma in their older years as they were friends with Sam's parents.  I found a great photo of her with Mom DeVries (Linda). For a few years Thelma would come down with dunkin donuts and spend the day making applesauce with our family. I always loved her quiet, kind and gentle ways. 

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