She was born “just around the corner” in Westmoreland on July 12th, 1921. Thelma attended schools locally and graduated from Keene High School in 1938. She attended Keene Normal School for a short time before falling in love with her husband, Carl E. Messer. They were married at the Cobb House on Park Hill on October 12th, 1940 and enjoyed 39 years of marriage before Carl’s death.
In 1957, Thelma and Carl moved into the house they built together just down the road on Park Hill where they could leave their back yard and snowmobile for miles. Thelma was a voracious reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles, knitting, various craft projects, snowmobiling, gardening, watching the birds, playing golf and attending musicals and concerts. Her travels took her to Switzerland, the southwest, northwest, and central part of the US and Canada. Her favorite vacation time was spent at York Beach, Maine with family and friends.
Thelma worked for Woodward’s Florist in Walpole for a number of pre-Christmas seasons and later worked 26 years at Peerless Insurance Co. in Keene working her way up to Assistant Manager.
Being a part of community projects and volunteering helped fill her days. She was a member of both the United and the Union Churches of Westmoreland, served 8 years as President of Ladies Aid, and was also a member of Coffee with Books, Heritage Homemakers, Sno-Belters, Monadnock Square Dancers, Extension Group, Pairs and Spares, Westmoreland Historical Society, the Cheshire County Historical Society, and Cackle Club.
Thelma was very proud to be a part of the publishing of the Homes Book, to have her daughter’s book, “Welcome to Westmoreland” dedicated to her and to have received the Boston Post Cane presented to her as the oldest resident in town.
Survivors include her daughter, Nancy M. Sandahl of Westmoreland, her granddaughter, Heidi L. Davis and her husband, Phillip Davis of Carmel, IN; Sister-in-laws, Bertha Brown of West Springfield, MA, and Barbara Messer of Westmoreland, and many nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Carl E. Messer in 1980; son, Peter E. Messer who died in infancy; and son-in-law, James F. Sandahl in 2013.
Thelma is fondly remembered for her energy, kindness, generosity and her vast knowledge of her town’s history. She was devoted to her town and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
On Saturday, July 17th, Nancy (Messer) Sandahl and her daughter, Heidi Davis will have a Celebration of Life. We’ll start at The Union Church at 998 Rte. 12 in East Westmoreland at 1:00 pm for a Service of Remembrance followed by a Celebration of Life gathering from 2-4 pm at the Park Hill Meeting House on Rte. 63. We look forward to having you share stories about Thelma.
Burial will be private at the South Village Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Union Church of Westmoreland, 998 Rte.12, Westmoreland, NH 03467 or to Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431.
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