Thelma Buchholdt Obituary

Former Alaska legislator, civil rights leader, author and attorney Thelma Garcia Buchholdt, 73, died Nov. 5, 2007, at home of pancreatic cancer.
Viewing will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 825 S. Klevin St. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m., with graveside services at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery at 11 a.m. and luncheon at St. Anthony's Parish Hall at noon. The Rev. Fred Bugarin will be the celebrant.
Thelma was born Aug. 1, 1934, in Claveria in the northern Philippines, and completed her elementary and secondary education in seven years.
She came to the United States in 1951, graduated from Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles and enrolled in graduate studies at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. There she met her husband of 50 years, Jon Buchholdt, and they married and started a family.
Thelma taught elementary school until the family moved to Anchorage in 1965.
Thelma was active in the Anchorage community through the March of Dimes and the League of Women Voters, and she helped found the Boys and Girls Clubs of Alaska.
She became involved in politics as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee of Young Democrats. George McGovern named her Alaska coordinator for his 1972 presidential campaign. And she was appointed to the Alaska State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
In 1973, Thelma was elected the first woman president of the Filipino Community of Anchorage, serving two consecutive terms.
Alaska in the 1970s faced the political riddle of protecting the environment and the rights of indigenous peoples during the construction of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. A second major challenge was the equitable distribution of billions of dollars of new revenue.
Thelma was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives in 1974 as an Ad Hoc Democrat. She was the first Filipino-American woman legislator in America. She was re-elected in 1976, 1978 and 1980.
She served on the House Finance Committee, later becoming vice-chair of the committee. She championed funding for the Spenard Community Recreation Center, the Dempsey-Anderson Ice Arena, the Asian-Alaskan Cultural Center in Spenard, the renovation of the Filipino Community Hall in Juneau and many local roads, trails and parks. And Thelma sponsored and won funding for an underwater bio-acoustical survey of Alaska's bowhead population.Thelma also won funding for the Alaska Commission on the Status of Women.
In 1980, Thelma was elected the first Asian-American president of the National Order of Women Legislators.
And in 1994, Thelma was appointed director of Alaska's Office of Equal Opportunity.
Thelma became an expert on the history of Filipinos in Alaska. She produced a 30-minute documentary film on the subject and wrote a 200-page book, "Filipinos in Alaska: 1788-1958." Thelma was national vice president of the Filipino-American National Historical Society. Its national conference will be held in Anchorage in 2008.
When their four children were grown Thelma and Jon enrolled in the District of Columbia School of Law, graduating in 1991. Both became members of the Alaska Bar Association.
Thelma is survived by her husband, Jon; their four children, daughter Titania (Gary) Ray of Richmond, Calif.; sons, Chris (Julia Sadowski), Hans, and Dylan (Cara Eltion), all of Anchorage; two grandchildren, Ryan of Anchorage and Rocco of Richmond; sisters, Jeanette (John) Svihra of Anchorage, Rhoda McFadden of Las Vegas, and Nancy Evangelista of Los Angeles; and brothers, Melvyn Garcia of Los Angeles and Eloi Garcia of Claveria.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Nov. 7, 2007.
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Thelma was truly a public servant who was always "frank" with me. She supported me in my efforts to run for public office. That is my last memory of her. I'm embarrassed that I live in Anchorage, and I'm just now learning of her death. Although, I'm very fortunate to of been in a presence of a powerful and history-making woman like Thelma.

Fa'aana Tosi

April 29, 2008

Dear Jon:
I live in Miami and went on line and learned about Thelma's passing. I spent much time with Thelma and you during law school. Ti will also remember me. My husband, Roffle passed from cancer in 1991 and knew the Bucholdts for their kindness. We all remember the salmon barbicues every year. My daughter, Holly was born during our last year in law school. Time goes quickly. I will pass this email on to Mary Pipitone, another law school friend. My thoughts are with you. Sincerely yours, Linda H Miller

Linda Miller

March 25, 2008

Jon and family,

I just heard about Thelma's death. I knew you and Thelma mostly in the 70s, from the Mahoney family connection in Wasilla. I later moved to Spenard and was proud to have Thelma represent me. I will always remember how much I enjoyed visiting with her. Anchorage in the 70s was just on the cusp of what it is today, and it was exciting to be a part of that. Thank you for all you did for Alaska Thelma!

Jaigne Beck (Olshansky)

January 27, 2008

Thelma will be always in the hearts and minds

of all her brothers and sisters who share in her

vision of a more just and caring planet.

Al Germann

January 20, 2008

Dear Buchholdt Family~
I didn't get the pleasure of working with Thelma, but have heard how inpiring she was. I extend the prayers of my family to strengthen and sustain you at this difficult time. Thelma was indeed a remarkable woman, a true pioneer leaving a wonderful legacy for all.
God Bless you all.

Frances Tibon Estoista

December 6, 2007

dear jon and family, my children and i are so very sorry for your loss. thelma was one of a kind, she was always so kind to me and my children. i will never forget her. may god give you strengh and our prayers are with you annemarie buchholdt de ollos from slc and children melitta liane and annette

annemarie de ollos

November 27, 2007

Dear Jon,

Yoshiko and I just got the sad news from Frank Okamoto. Please accept our deepest sympathy. I especially regret that I have lost the opportunity of visiting her again.

Yoshiko and Yutaka Okamoto
Tokyo, Japan
[email protected]

Yutaka Okamoto

November 18, 2007

My family's condolences on the loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother Thelma. I was saddened when I heard of her passing on KTOO radio. My father, Andres Aquino Cadiente, Sr., was very proud of Thelma and her accomplishments. Thelma lived a life in keeping with the vision and dream of our fathers, the "First Wave" of Filipinos: integrity, dignity, love of God, family, and country. The Cadiente family appreciated the personal time and respect she gave our father and our mother when interviewing them, and how she represented their memories and experiences in "Filipinos in Alaska: 1788-1958".

May Thelma's family be comforted knowing that her works here on Earth will never be forgotten. I am sure our fathers greeted Thelma with "well done, good and faithful servant". Peace be with all of you.

The Cadientes

Barbara Cadiente-Nelson

November 18, 2007

To The Family of Thelma Buchholdt,
On behalf of the family of the late Andres Aquino Cadiente, Sr. I extend our deepest condolences at the loss of your cherished loved one. She will always be remembered for the love and respect she had for everyone and the hope she offered to us all. You are in our prayers for peace and comfort that can only come from Him and for strength and courage that you need during this difficult time. Peace be with you always.

Doloresa Cadiente

November 18, 2007

She was an amazing woman, who has inspired so many nationwide. As a FANHS member, she will be tremendously missed, and the organization has truly lost a leader.

-Kristelle Siarza

Kristelle Siarza

November 15, 2007

I met Thelma during FANHS Executive Committee meeting in Alb. and again at St. Louis, MO at the FANHS Conference. I remembered the salmon she brought at St. Louis. She's very proud of being an Alaskan. It was an honor to meet her.

Tessie Greenfield

November 15, 2007

Dear Jon and family
Please accept our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. Ted and I will keep Thelma and you all in our thoughts and prayers.

I will miss Thelma very much. Her unassuming and caring ways have made a big difference in my my role as a FANHS Trustee, especially during my first year. She transitioned me to the rest of the group with ease and warmth. I still fondly remember the day in Seattle when she invited me along to meet her friends and have dinner with them.

Dely Alcantara

November 15, 2007

know that there will always be light.

ray obispo

November 14, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Kay Montoya

November 14, 2007

I metioned this during the viewing and reception in Anchorage. My collaboration with Thelma began when she traded Alaska Salman for Filipino lemons (kalamansi) that I brought from San Diego. That always made her smile.

Through her actions, Thelma showed me how a meeting was supposed to be run. I will miss her very much. I will remember her as a woman who inspiried, influenced, and made a difference in my life.

National Secretary,
Board of Trustees, Filipino American National Historical Society

Ronald Buenaventura

November 13, 2007

Dear Jon, Chris, Julia, Hans, Dylan, Cara, Ti, Gary, Ryan, & Rocco, and all in the Garcia clan, too~
As you see from this guestbook your mom/grandma/dear Thelma is revered
near and far. The memorial services were most inspiring with so many
heart felt messages from so many she has touched: family, our friends
at FANHS, Native Alaskan leaders, indigenous cultural performers, the
NAACP, people connected to the legislature, advocates for all caucses
... and many more. We'll remember her leading us dancing in St. Louis,
and most recently partying with us in Philadelphia. We miss her and
will continue her work. Looking forward to seeing you all at FANHS in
Anchorage -- at the conference that will truly be Thelma's
www.fanhs-national.org
Sending love and prayers to all,
~Joanie

Joan May T. Cordova

November 13, 2007

Please accept our condolences. I will always remember Mrs. Bucholdt for her warm spirit and for welcoming me with open arms while visiting AK. How little I knew of her! While reading the biography and guestbook, I was struck by her legacy; what an amazing inspiration. Memories of Mrs. Bucholdt will remain forever in the hearts of those she touched.

Gina Agron

November 13, 2007

I am sorry to hear about Thelma's passing. I met her at the Democratic Convention and we laughed and joked about numberous issues throughout. Jon -- if you need anything, please let me know.

Shelley Chaffin

November 13, 2007

Dear Jon & Family - It was a privilege to be a part of Thelma's life. In having the privilege of knowing and working with her through FANHS, I will miss the wisdom and most of all her "smile" that she brought into our meetings. What a wonderful and caring person! Jon, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Art & Helen Villarruz

Art Villarruz

November 12, 2007

Jon & Family:
Our deepest sympathy and condolences. We are deeply saddened when we learned of her untimely passing. Thelma will surely be missed.

Rudy & Chris Molina

November 12, 2007

Dear Jon and Family,

My family and I would like to send our condolences. My parents, Florendo and Teresita Saclayan, who have passed on were friends of Manang Thelma. I have known her since I was a young child but rarely saw her in my adult life. I know she will be missed by many but she is now in peace and in God's hand.

May God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow.

Tirso & Marie(nee Saclayan)Usuquen

Marie Usuquen

November 10, 2007

Manang Thelma is always there for you when you need help. She's the best and we will surely miss her.

Roger & Terry Palma

November 10, 2007

She was born in Claveria, place named for Spanish Governor General Narciso Claveria. It is the northernmost town in the Philippine mainland. She was very proud of her roots, the tribal Ibanag, the river people of Cagayan, the contraption of the Ilocano’s Karayan. Claveria issued the famous edict that we are named from Christian saints. Her surname was “Garcia” before a gentleman named Jon Buchholdt changed it but not what she was made from. Rather, she actually transformed Jon into Pinoy way and raised the family the way she only knew, the Ilocano life. I saw it in Jon as we strolled at the Campus of Marymount University where he went to school. That was at the Los Angeles 2004 Conference. Her work pride and dedication to Filipino American history have bonded us together. Both of us feed by the River of Cagayan but it was the FANHS that meandered us. I spoke to her during the aftermath of Katrina and the flight of the Burtanog sisters, the first Filipino American Family in New Orleans. I got her connected and she sent fund and package to the family. She was Mother Theresa. She was my best friend.
A strong Pinay long before there was an organization called NOW. She was on the forefront of NOW. She campaigned in behalf of the Filipino WWII veterans long before it was fashionable. We lost a great leader.

nestor enriquez

November 10, 2007

Jon, Ti and family --

Ti was one of my closest friends in law school but a great benefit of that friendship was getting to know Thelma and Jon.

Thelma was one of my inspirations for my public service legal career focusing on improving the lives of women, children and families. I visited Thelma and Jon in 1992. As an Indian-American who was then working in a large law firm, I was looking for meaning in the practice of law. My 1992 visit to Alaska helped me engineer a turning point in my career. I talked with Thelma, Jon and others about the public service aspects of the law and also the many different communities in Alaska. While I was there, Thelma arranged to have a number of friends come over, fellow Philipina-Americans, Inuit tribeswomen, political activists, etc. I listened and learned, and as a small thanks for their gracious hospitality, I made a large (South Asian) Indian dinner for all their guests. I still wear a red leather and bead necklace that one of the guest gave me that evening. Jon as usual balanced Thelma's earnest dedication with his own brand of humor and political satire. It was a memorable evening.

Over the years, Thelma would visit Washington, DC; as a moth goes to a flame, she was unable to stay away from the politics here. I had the pleasure of having her and Jon (and their family) stay with us and enjoyed those visits.

Thelma loved her family. She told great stories of all of her children and I was fortunate to have met them all. As a mother of 3 boys now, I find particular humor and prescience in the stories that Thelma and Ti told of Chris, Hans and Dylan. Her grandsons brought her great joy.

Thelma hated to throw things away. Ti has that trait as well as much of her mother's strength. Thelma would be pleased to know that I still have furnishings that Jon and Thelma and Ti left behind from their law school days in DC. And of course, I still have my signed copy of Nan Elliot's I'd Swap My Old Skidoo For You that Thelma gifted to me.

Thanks for the memories, Thelma. Thanks for introducing me to your family, Ti, and may your own family heal from these memories.

With warmest regards,

Kala Shah Surprenant

November 10, 2007

Dear Jon & Family
Thelma was a shining star of leadership. She will always be a part of our hearts, our communities and our future FANHS National Museum. Thank you Jon & Family for all of the support and sacrifices you have made to allow Thelma to be
who she was.

Melvin LaGasca

November 9, 2007

Dear Jon, Titania, and family,

I am so sad to hear about Thelma's passing. She was a compassionate, inspirational, and fearless leader -- not only as our FANHS National President -- but in all that she did. I learned so much from her actions, her research, and her stories. And I will never forget how she brought enough salmon to feed everyone in Los Angeles and St. Louis...
Thank you to your whole family for sharing her with us.
Love and Prayers,

Emily Lawsin

November 9, 2007

To the Buchholdt Family,
May I extend to each of you my sincere sympathy on the loss of your Wife, Mother, and Friend.

While I have never had the pleasure of a personal introduction to Thelma Buchholdt, her name and her accomplishments were brought to my attention when I arrived in Alaska over ten years ago. Many women from Alaska who had participated in the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China began to plan a second anniversary celebration of the UN World Conference in Alaska. A woman from Juneau called me and told me she was sending me a gift. In this book were the biographies and stories of Alaskan women who had made enormous contributions to the civil, economic and human rights of people in the State of Alaska. As I opened this book, the first entry that I read was that of Thelma Buchholdt. I read with great appreciation the many achievements of her life and her work in creating new areas of achievement for the Phillipino Community in Alaska.
May the celebration of her life be a source of comfort in your loss, her words a solace amidst your grief.
Wishing you an early blessing of the Peace and Joy of Christmas as you celebrate Thelma's life. We owe her thanks for her good work.

Patricia Bray

November 9, 2007

Jon and family,

You have lost a wonderful wife and mother and we all have lost a great lady and leader. My sympathies.

John Hedland

November 9, 2007

Our deepest Condolences to the Buchholdt Family. Thelma will always be remembered as a true friend, pioneer, and supporter to the Filipino Community, Inc. in Juneau, Alaska.

Jenny Gomez Strickler

November 9, 2007

Chris - Prayers are with you with the loss of your mother

Phill Wadsworth

November 9, 2007

Chris - I'm sorry for your loss, she was clearly a wonderful woman.

Tab Wilkins

November 8, 2007

Jon and Family,

I'm very sad to learn of Thelma's passing. She was a wonderful person and a true pioneer. She also made great lumpia!

Doug Elliott

November 8, 2007

Dear Jon,

When I saw the shocking news of Thelma's death, all I could think about was the quiet dignity and self-assurance she exuded when I first met her in 1968.

Later on, when she became a significant player in Juneau, her accomplishments were no surprise to me.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this sad day.

Tim Kennedy

November 8, 2007

My deepest condolence and sympathy for the family of our dear Thelma. You'll all be in my prayers!

autumn chill
a breeze nudges down
the last leaf
news of FANHS leader's
untimely death

Vic Gendrano

Victor Gendrano

November 8, 2007

As a Pinay,I am proud of our sister, Thelma. She paved the way for the rest of us.
God Bless

Mayee Crispin

November 8, 2007

Thelma's passing is a great loss to all who knew and loved her and who were touched by her lifelong contributions to humanity. She sought social and economic justice and equity for all populations. Her efforts to acknowledge the Alaskan Filipino/Native "Mistizo" population are deeply appreciated. Although I join with others in celebrating her life, I am deeply saddened with her passing. I am honored to have known this Great Lady. I offer my Spirit, the Sun, to warm and sustain the hearts of her family.

Rosita Worl

November 8, 2007

Jon and Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time of loss.

Angel and Femie Cercenia
(Eagle River, AK)

November 8, 2007

Our condolences to the family. Thelma was a wonderful person and a great leader. She will be missed.

Stockton FANHS - Terri Torres

November 7, 2007

Our deepest symphathy to the Buchholdt & Garcia Family.
from the de Rivera Family.
The last communication I had with manang Thelma was when I emailed all the Claverianos of the coming Internation reunion in February 2009. She was the first one who answered and she told me that the whole family are attending and she want to know the exact date so she can plan ahead of time. For sure we will all miss her. Our prayers....

Rema de Rivera Zafrani

November 7, 2007

For Thelma & family,
Your loss will be felt across the country. Maraming salamat po Thelma for your friendship, leadership & dedication for serving as our national president of the Filipino American National Historical Society. We are blessed and honored to have known you and your family. Your contribution to our country is simply priceless.

Allan and Edwina Bergano

November 7, 2007

Buchholdt & Garcia Family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Thelma has touched many lives in so many different ways. She's a friend, a confidant, a conselor, a mentor and a humanitarian. A woman with a big heart and a brilliant mind. I will always remember her quiet spirit and humility. She a rare treasure.

Annie Hunsucker

November 7, 2007

I remember after Thelma, Jon, Ti and I had all graduated from law school that Thelma wanted to see the Liberty Bell before she returned to Alaska. The 4 of us drove to Philadelphia and had a great time visiting the historic district near the bell and ended the day with a nice meal at the colonial tavern. We had so much fun that we took another trip to Charlottesville to see the University of Virginia and Monticello.

Thelma was a wonderful person and she will be missed by family and friends.

Cathy Martin

November 7, 2007

Thelma,

You provided so much good for the Filipino Community as well as humanity in general. I feel blessed to have you as an influential person in my life. You will be missed and always remembered.

Clare Hovland

November 7, 2007

Jon & Family:
Condolence and my deepest sympathy to the family.

Manang Thelma is very humble, loving and caring person. She's not only a friend to me but a sister as well. Her love to the community is always her priority even up to her last moment. She's very proud to be a Filipino especially her roots-The Mountain Tribes. Manang Thelma always volunteered her time to help people especially the least fortunate and the needy. Manang Thelma will be deeply missed by the community.

Leticia Tadina

November 7, 2007

Jon and family,
I am deeply saddened by your loss; please know that Thelma's passing is a loss to all who knew her, and that her life's work enriched us all. Her public and private works provide a rich, varied path for all to follow, though the footprints are very large indeed!

bob worl

November 7, 2007

Jon & Family:
Dianne and I both share your sadness which is inevitable at this time. We cherish the friendship that you and Thelma were kind enough to share with us!

You are all in our prayers!

Chuck and Dianne O'Connell

November 7, 2007

We will miss you Thelma.
Your friend, MB

Mary Belle BELARDE

November 7, 2007

Mary Belle BELARDE

November 7, 2007

We send our love and support to you in this time of loss. We will miss Thelma greatly. Alaska has lost a pioneer.

Jake Metcalfe & Moira Smith

November 7, 2007

Manang Thelma is not only a great friend to us, but a mentor as well.

We'll miss you, Manang.

Our prayers are with you, Jon.

Ronnie and Jovie de Luna

November 7, 2007

Hans & Chris,
Condolences on your loss and blessings on a life well-lived.

Harry Kachline

November 7, 2007

I’m sure that the thoughts and prayers of all FOSSILS (Former Old Senior Statesmen In Legislative Service) are with all of Thelma’s family, in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort as they do to me when I think of the first time I met Thelma in Juneau many years ago.

She was truly a warm and sensitive person who always strived to make this a better world to live in while she was here. While she will be missed by us all, I for one recognize the high mark she set for all of us to follow in the future when we deal with our fellow man. Thanks Thelma!

Mike Szymanski

November 7, 2007

Such a bright sprited person, such a enlightened and educated intellect, such a warm loving person.

Michael DeMan

November 7, 2007

Thelma,
You will be missed. As a former Alaska Resident I recall all you have done for the beautiful state of Alaska. Our family sends their condolences to the family and friends of Thelma. RIP
Lezlie Paul (Westbrook)1974-1987

Lezlie Paul

November 7, 2007

Lezlie Paul

November 7, 2007

I remember Thelma for her energy and wide range of public service.

Pauline Flanagan-Barrett

November 7, 2007

I met Thelma during the 1986 Gubernatorial election. Ms. Buchholdt was a fine, thoughtful and well-respected person who cared deeply for her community. I was also fortunate to meet and becomes friends with her son Dylan, who is a fine man as well.

Anders Westman

November 7, 2007

Dear Jon and family,
Thelma was a kind and encouraging person to so many. We are glad to have known her and she will be so missed. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers as you go through this difficult time. May God sustain and comfort you, now and always,

Sandy and Sonny Reclosado

November 7, 2007

A GOOD & HONEST public servant; who loved her family, friends, State & nation.

Anong & Bob Bradley

November 7, 2007

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