Thelma French, 79 / Oct. 24, 1932 — Dec. 1, 2011

Published 7:38 pm Friday, December 2, 2011

Thelma French, 79
Oct. 24, 1932 — Dec. 1, 2011

Thelma Nadene French, 79, of Buchanan, died Monday Dec. 1, at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles.

She was born Oct. 24, 1932, in Kinder, Mo., to the late Ralph  and Dona Townsend.

In 1951 in Buchanan, she married Pat Hanlin, who preceded her in death in 1974. On Jan. 2, 1993, she married Robert W. French, who preceded her in death in 1999.

Thelma is survived by three daughters, Bambi (Erick) Salo and Patricia (Kevin) Chance, both of Buchanan, and Laura (John) Hanlin of Niles; one son, Michael (Mary) Hanlin of Three Rivers, Mich.; son, Kim Hanlin, preceded her in death in 1980. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Deanna Lolmaugh, Patrick Hanlin, Alex Nichols, Adrienne Nichols, Lindsey Leech , David Leech, Brendan leech, Emily Chance, Katie Chance and Ally Chance; five great-grandchildren, Alyssa Nichols, Kaiden Nichols, Arianna Nichols, Betsy Hall and Meghan Hall.

Thelma enjoyed working crossword puzzles and her membership in the Quilting Club.

Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Swem Chapel.

A Celebration of Life Service will be Tuesday at 11 a.m., also at Swem Chapel, with Pastor Rob McPherson of First Untied Methodist Church officiating.

Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Buchanan District Library, 128 E. Front St., Buchanan, MI 49107.

Those wishing to sign her guest book may do so by visiting our website www.swemchapel.com.