Thelma Mae Lewis
August 02, 2013
Thelma Lewis, 93, died Friday August 2, 2013 in Hartford, Connecticut, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Thelma was born on May 26, 1920 in Four Mile Township, Iowa to Joe and Laura Marshall Halterman, the second of five children. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers and sister. She is survived by daughters Judy Lewis and her husband Stuart Sakovich of West Hartford, CT and Jackie Duncan and her husband Bill of Ankeny, IA; two granddaughters, Sara Ross and husband Chad, and Stephanie Duncan; and five great-grandchildren all of Ankeny.
Thelma lived in Polk City, graduating from Polk City High in 1937. She worked in Granger for Dr. Smith, saving the money to go to beauty school, receiving her license in 1939. During the war, she worked at the ammunition plant in Ankeny and then moved to Bellingham, Washington after she married. Thelma worked at the Boeing Branch Plant in Bellingham. She was a member of the machinists union and was a “rosie the riveter” working on B-17 bomb bay doors. She was married for 22 years and lived on the Southside of Des Moines for over 60 years. She worked at American Republic for almost 25 years and retired in 1981. Thelma moved to Connecticut in June 2012.
Thelma was a second mom, aunt and good friend to many generations. She loved to cook and travel. She was a wonderful mother. Thelma was resourceful, resilient and generous. In spite of significant disabilities in her later life, she lived independently in her own home until she was 92. She will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, August 9, 2013 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. at Polk City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation, P.O. Box 1922, Midlothian, VA 23113.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mary Gebrian
08/17/2013
Dear Judy,
I send you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear mother. She sounded like a really great lady I would have liked to know. I'll pray for her soul, and keep you in my prayers. Love, Mary
Mario Tristan & Yuri Baidal
08/14/2013
Judy and Stuart our thoughts are with you . I remember the last time we were togheter in Connecticut, the Thelma smiling and that wonderful conversation while preparing the thanksgiving dinner. She was one the sweetest and positive person I never met who despite her health problems always was happy and kind. I could not make my plans to see her again. We will have her in our memories and will miss her.. We love you. Receive a embrace from all here
Greta Mino
08/12/2013
Dear Judy,
I am so sorry to hear the loss of your beloved mother. I send you my deepest condolence for you and for your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
May God provide you the strength you need to cope with this difficult situation.
Love
Greta
Laura R Ralston
08/09/2013
Judy, my thoughts are with you. I remember you telling me how close you were with your parents and I am sure that she took comfort growing old with her brilliant daughter nearby. I hope that I learn from your example. She sounds like she was a spunky lady and that you will have countless stories to share and keep her memory alive. I hope that you find all the support you need from your friends and family during this difficult time. I love you and my thoughts are with you!
Dick & Maureen Fontana
08/09/2013
Thinking of you, Jackie. Our condolences to you and yours.
Love,
Mo & Dick
Margaret Nalugo
08/07/2013
My condolence to Judy, Stuart and all other family members. It is really sad. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I love you all
Esther and Gaius Umahi
08/08/2013
We send our condolence to Judy and her relatives. Our love and prayers are with u.
Antonio Mendez
08/07/2013
My condolence to Judy and her relatives. Receive a warm embrace and solidarity,
John & Vicki Speed
08/06/2013
Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Now an angel flying free. All our love.
Angie Chidester
08/07/2013
Thoughts and prayers go out to Jackie Duncan and family on the loss of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I love you all.
Fusun & Yucel Uygungil
08/06/2013
We met her first time in Connecticut. She was so sweet & gentle. Wish we should have known her before. Our condolences to Judy & Stuart and the rest of her family. Love
Mark Greenstein
08/06/2013
This marks the passing of one of the kindest and gentlest people I know.. Thelma always had a ready smile for me and through the years, when she visited here in Connecticut, I looked forward to seeing her. She was thoughtful enough to send me both birthday cards and condolence notes for my own joys and sorrows and I shall miss her but keep my memories of her in my heart to warm me. I send my condolences to Judy and Stuart and the rest of Thelma's family with hopes that THEIR memories of her will warm them through the years as well. WIth love.
Karan Emerick
08/06/2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Judy. Your mother was such a dignified and sweet lady. She will be missed.
We love you.