Thelma DePamphilis, 88, of Northfield, NJ passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 12, 2018 surrounded by her beloved family. She was formerly from Massachusetts and Florida before moving to Northfield in2017.
Thelma was predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years, Riccardo. She is survived by her loving children: Christina, Richard and his wife Patricia, Mark, and Jacqueline and her husband Carl. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Taylor, Joseph and his wife Kate, RaeAnne, Kevin, Kaila, Nicholas, Hannah, Graziella, Derek and Alexandra; great grandchildren JoJo and her “precious angel” Luca. Like another grandchild is her canine bedside buddy Jasper. Thelma is also survived by her sisters-in-law Lucia, Kathleen, Fedora, Olivia (predeceased), and Marie; her sisters Marie, Mabel (predeceased), and Brenda; and her brother Jay; and her many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 11:00am-12:00pm at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church, 100 Bishop Lane, Manahawkin, NJ. A Mass will be held at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Thelma’s name may be sent to The Seekers Ministry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, Florida 33444.
About Thelma
Thelma’s whole life was devoted to her family and friends. Always there to volunteer her time, help someone in need, or keep your deepest secrets locked away, Thelma’s loyalty to family, friends, and faith shined a light on all those she encountered throughout her life. Anyone who met her, knew Thelma lived through and for her children. Her children knew her as the ultimate encourager who was always there with a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.
Thelma and Rick raised their children in Waltham and Cape Cod, MA before relocating in retirement years to Florida in 1983, where they lived in Boca Raton Rick’s passing from vascular dementia in 2003. From that time forward, Thelma dedicated herself to serving dementia patients at facilities in Florida and New Jersey. Thelma was twice awarded Volunteer of the Year, once at the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center in Boca Raton, FL and most recently at the Northfield Senior Center.
A faithful parishioner at St. John’s Catholic Church in Boca Raton, Thelma joyfully participated in the many activities of the Ladies of St. John’s, including modeling in their annual fashion show and assembling over 250 Thanksgiving dinner boxes for needy families. Her dedication to the work and ministry of the Ladies of St. John’s was recognized with a special award. Thelma’s love for St. John’s was so deep that one of her last wishes was for friends and family to celebrate her life and reunion with her beloved husband at a memorial service at St. John’s prior to her entombment. A date and time will be forthcoming.
Thelma’s compassionate spirit of giving and caring lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and is her eternal legacy of love.
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