Thelma Duck

Thelma is survived by 3 children, Ronald (Linda), Elaine Carmelich (Richard), and Cathy; 5 grandchildren, Robert (Leda), Bradley (Carolyn), Lee (Shawn), Richard (Kimberly), and Julie as well as 11 great grandchildren.

Thelma was born and raised in Lewisburg, PA where she graduated from Bucknell University in 1938 with a BA degree in French. In 1939 she married her hometown sweetheart, Charles W. Duck, who predeceased her in 1993. Charles, who also graduated from Bucknell University, retired as a senior vice president of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company after a career of 38 years.

After Charles returned from World War II, they settled in Bogota, NJ where Thelma renewed her lifelong commitment to community service. She served as President of the local PTA and was an active member of the couples club of her church. Following their move to Westwood in 1958, Thelma once again took up her volunteer activities. She wrote a column, “Westwood Wanderings” as well as articles on local board meetings for The Westwood News for many years. She served one term on the Westwood Board of Education in the early 1970s. She was also a volunteer at Pascack Valley Hospital for over 50 years, serving in the hospitality shop, as a greeter in the lobby and as a thrift shop regular. She enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, sewing, knitting, reading, crossword puzzles and playing bridge at the Thomas J. Riley Senior Center until the age of 93.

In addition to her civic contributions and varied interests, Thelma will be best remembered by her family as a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her nurturing guidance will forever enrich their lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Thelma’s memory may be made to The Thomas J. Riley Senior Center, 100 Madison Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675.

The family will receive friends at The Becker Funeral Home on Saturday, July 21, 2012 from 2:00-4:00 P.M.