By Staff
Thelma Waldschmidt, 86, of Dowagiac, passed away at her home on Saturday, March 22, 2008, the day before Easter.
Thelma's life began on Nov. 22, 1921, in Dowagiac, the daughter of Joseph and Luella (Probst) Szymonski. She was a lifelong Dowagiac resident.
She was a faithful parishioner of Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church.
Thelma was united in marriage to the love of her life, Benjamin Waldschmidt, on June 25, 1938, in Dowagiac.
She enjoyed taking care of her yard, which included her garden of flowers and roses. You could always find her loyal dog by her side.
Her greatest joy was when her family would gather together for the holidays.
Easter was always extra special when her family would come to gather at her home.
Her loving family includes: her children, Benjamin (Margaret) Waldschmidt , Larry Waldschmidt, Edward (Darlene) Waldschmidt, John (Charlene) Waldschmidt, Michael (Cathy) Waldschmidt, Linda (Michael) Mosier and Diane (Wayne) Wallace, all of Dowagiac, James (Diana) Waldschmidt of Texas and Debbie (Alan) Loveridge of Schoolcraft; 29 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; her siblings, John Szymonski of South Dakota, Mary High of Decatur, Marie (Jay) Hemingway of Decatur, Rosella (Clayton) Newman of Mottville, Doris (Jim) Bischoff of Grand Ledge, Nancy (Harold) Schaus of Dowagiac and Margaret Dooley of Elkhart, Ind.; several nieces and nephews; and her caregiver, Lynn Kepner.
Thelma is preceded in death by: her husband, who died the day after Easter 2001 – a love story with a love story ending; her son, Frank "Tub" Waldschmidt; and brothers, Steve and Floyd Szymonski.
Her family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church.
She will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles.
Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to her family.
Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Thelma at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.