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Thelma Rezendes Obituary

Groton - Thelma M. Rezendes, 72, of Groton, formerly of Stonington and Ledyard, passed away Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London.

Born in Albany, Ga., she was the daughter of the late Andrew Jackson and Willie Bell (Tucker) Willis. Thelma loved the Lord with all her heart, he was her world. She enjoyed spending time with her family and also enjoyed working on her book she was writing, and above all being involved with her Church and working on the bulletin.

Her favorite place to spend time was at Stonington Point, watching the waves and praying. Other than her Bible, her time was spent on her iPad playing games and watching movies, she didn't go anywhere without it. Personal thing, Thelma let everyone know walking into her home they were welcome at any time, she was everybody's Mom. To her children, she was the QUEEN BEE!

Thelma is survived by her eight children, Joseph Rezendes and his wife, Patreasa, of Sterling, Brenda Rezendes of Pawcatuck, Deborah Cruz and her husband, Richard, of Pawcatuck, Michael Rezendes and his wife, Ruth, of Ledyard, Vicky Watson of Macon, Ga., Teresa Atkinson and her husband, Maurice, of Macon, Ga., Angela Benton and her husband, Robert, of Norwich and Jennifer Fasano of Groton; siblings, Virginia Araujo and (William), Andrew Jackson Willis and (Tina), Fay Willis, Jay Willis and (Ginnie), Doris Dodd and (Merrill), Jean Willis and (Delama) and Kenneth Willis; 28 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph Antone Rezendes.

Her family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at the Potter's House Church of God, 500 Sandy Hollow Road, Mystic. A service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the church with Pastor Bruno Spada officiating. Burial will follow at Stonington Cemetery, 345 N. Main St., Stonington. Immediately following the burial, there will be a gathering at the Par 4, 93 Plant St., Groton.

Memorial donations may be made to the church.

Please visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave an online message of condolence.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 6, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Thelma Rezendes

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January 19, 2013

We are so sorry for the loss of "Gram" Thelma to the rest of the world. Would have loved meeting the woman who helped to shape her wonderful daughters & grandchildren, especially my wonderful daughter-in-law, Brittany. I know she was a wonderful person, and that heaven will be a great waiting room for your next family reunion with her. Our condolences,

The Frith Family

Maurice Atkinson

January 19, 2013

Life really is a vapor and is gone so quickly... It's difficult saying goodbye to someone who has been a part of your life.

Thelma is one of the sweetest and gentlest people I've ever known. Her faith was evident and unwavering. She possessed the Fruit of The Spirit which is, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness faithfulness and self-control.

We will miss you dearly on this earth. What wonderful memories you left and oh what a legacy.

January 18, 2013

Mom, you will be forever in my thought's, i am so happy for you now, in peace and walking with Jesus. I know you missed dad more then word's could ever say, and now your one again. I love you with all of my heart. xox

Teresa & Thelma Nov. 11 2010

Teresa & Maurice Atkinson

January 18, 2013

Mommy I just wanted to finish this book, in your memory. I have collected some of your special memories, not just mine and made a book to share with all who know you. I miss you so much and I know I will see you again one day, and there will be no more tears on that day. But today I still cry, and think of you all the time. Thank you for ALL the great memories we made together. I will cherish them forever. Especially all those times you told me how special I was and how much you loved ME. I will miss you & Ruth coming for your visit this month. Yet I know you are in NO pain and you are happy & PERFECT now. Until I see you again, thank you for being the best Mom ANYBODY could ever ask for. I LOVE YOU and will FOREVER!

Mary & Sam Porter-Price

January 12, 2013

Dear Rezendes' Family,
We wish we had had the privilege of knowing your mother as she sounds like quite a remarkable lady! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you continue your earthly journey.

Sincerely,

right by your side :) my favorite place!!

Jen

January 10, 2013

Mom I was so blessed to spend your last year with you! I love you mommy you are in peace and wholeness with Jesus and that's what I will hang on to until we meet again :)!!

Jordan Frith

January 9, 2013

I will miss Gram. I loved seeing her every time she came to visit. She always made me laugh. And she was a fire cracker! lol I will always have the memories of playing games on the porch with her on her iPad & dancing on the Wii. Love & miss you!

Kristie Brenda's Oldest daughter

January 8, 2013

My last few days have been filled with memories of growing up a part of the Rezendes Clan . My Grandmother was a strong and courageous woman, mother, partner, sister, friend and daughter!! She played a glorious part in this movie... As the credits roll, I will continue to remember. Once the curtain calls and her body is laid to rest, even then will I remember. Live, laugh and love because life is good. My GreGre (my way of saying grammy because I couldn't pronounce it as a little person) was and will always be - a rock star.

You're lovin it lady!!!! Carry on... And I love you dearly

Leah Hobbs

January 7, 2013

Sorry to hear about this beautiful Women. She was a very sweet and loving lady. She will be greatly missed by all. I remember going to the house when my Mom and everyone was at my Aunt Maggie's house playing cards. The gang from Stonington will greatly miss her.This is Leah Hobbs(Avery). I am Ruthie's Daughter.

Mark Araujo

January 7, 2013

You will be missed very much Love always Mark,Kim and Mason

Christine Whipple

January 7, 2013

Thelma was an amazing women who loved her children. May she rest in peace. Her legacy lives on through her children, she celebrating in heaven. Though I hadn't seen her in in years I have only fond memories.

Christopher Allen

January 7, 2013

Gram, the memories I have with you will forever be in my heart and mind. Until the day we are all united again. I'll never forget convincing you to get an iPad or singing The Great Pretender with you or when we used to watch scary movies together and I would be scared but you never were. You were such a funny women and I love you!

Linda Iorlano

January 7, 2013

Thelma was a great lady and many people will miss her. My condolences to the Rezendes family for their loss.

crystal pollock

January 7, 2013

I love you I know ur in a better place, but you will truly be missed!

Ashley Pepin

January 7, 2013

Words cannot describe the pain we are left with with you gone. But with that pain also lies peace because we know that you are no longer suffering and you are with poppy. Trevor, baby micah, aunt ginny and everyone else whos been waiting to embrace you again. Until we meet again... I love you gram. And miss your beautiful soul!

David & Gay Mori

January 6, 2013

My heart rejoices with Thelma, no more pain, no more worry, only peace and joy forever more. My heart grieves with her family who must endure this temporary separation from one they love so dearly. May you find comfort in Gods presence and peace in knowing it is well with her soul. So grateful for Gods amazing grace, David and Gay Mori

Tammy L de la cruz

January 6, 2013

To the Rezendes family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. With heartfelt condolences

Patty and Glenn Dabbs

January 6, 2013

Thelma we will miss you as you sleep for a little while. But we will see you again until then Tell my mom Hello for me and give her a big big hug. May God Comfort your children and grandchildren.

amber young

January 6, 2013

U will be missed aunt thelma rip let granny know I love her for me ur in a better place now no more pain lord be with the family

Angela Rezendes Benton

January 6, 2013

Mommy you have been and always will be a light in life life.. Forver and a day
Angie

4 Generation Photo... Thelma, Angela, Stephanie and Emma

Angela Rezendes Benton

January 6, 2013

Robert Benton

January 6, 2013

Thelma,
I wish I had more time to have known you.
I am glad I had the privilege to pray for you in the hospital. I know now that you are in Heaven and one day we'll meet again and have all eternity to get to know each other better. Love in Christ, Robert

Saundra and Jaime

January 6, 2013

Aunt Thelma you truly were and will always be a very special person. We love you so much. Tell Uncle Joe and Vovo and my godfather I said hi. Until we meet again.

Beth Henry

January 6, 2013

My heart n prayers go out to your whole family n friends that had the pleasure of knowing your mom.

Sandra McCartney

January 6, 2013

I love you Auntie and will miss seeing you when ever i visit everyone there.

Judy Carlough

January 6, 2013

Jen, Angela and families, its hard to say goodbye to our loved ones, and just as no words of sympathy can ease that hurt; just knowing that your mama is with Jesus has to bring so much peace to each of you. Come together as a family. Come closer to the Lord, for she is rejoicing with all of heaven and she had such a welcome home party waiting for her! Praise God for His goodness. God bless you!

Debbie

January 6, 2013

Mom, you were not only my mother but you were also my best friend. I feel like I lost alot the day you went to be with Jesus. But I know that you are so much better were you are, you will always be in my heart until the day I come to be with you. I Love You Mom

January 6, 2013

She was the prettiest gramma I ever did meet. Love love love her!!!!

Richie Souza

January 6, 2013

To The Rezendes Family,I'm Sorry For
Sorry for Loss
Richie - Dick Souza's Son

Tom Hronis

January 6, 2013

Angela, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy for the passing of your beloved mother. May God bless her soul and grant you peace and comfort.

Mary Ellen Robinson

January 6, 2013

To the Rezendes Family-So sorry for your loss, your mom was a very special person, she will be missed! praying for comfort in this difficult time

January 6, 2013

My deepest condolences and my prayers are with the Rezendes family now and always. Love Kara Banks-Conceicao

January 6, 2013

Thelma was a wonderful lady. We are thinking of all of you.
Steve,Marge, and girls

Teresa & Thelma

Teresa Atkisnon

January 6, 2013

Mom I miss you more then I can ever say. I love you and you will forever be in my thoughts and heart. I look forward to being with you again one. What a glorious day that will be. Tell Dad and all the others I said Hello and I'll be seeing you soon!

David Foster

January 6, 2013

Thinking of you and your family at this time of sadness.

thelma,you will be missed dearly,but we will see you again...

kelly mccartney

January 6, 2013

kelly mccartney

Carol Higgins Moran

January 6, 2013

Ang,Jen ,Joey and tthe rest of the Rezendes family my deepest condolences and my prayers are with you now and always

Honey Gilbert

January 6, 2013

Terry i am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs your way.

Allen Family

January 6, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Angela Rezendes Benton

January 6, 2013

Mommy, you where always there for me in good and bad. And we all know there was a lot of bad from me ;). I can't even picture life without you in it. I still can't believe you gone. My special memory will be your last words to me. I love you to. Love you forever and a day, your daughter Angela Marie Rezendes

January 6, 2013

We are praying that god will bless and keep you all and bring comfort during this difficult time .With love Phil and Jenny Bryan and family xx

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