Thelma R. Gelfond

Thelma was my mother's cousin, Her father Murray Gelfond was the older brother of my grandmother, Sonia. When I see her photo she looks so much like my grandmother. I would have liked to have known her.

I remember in the sixth grade the whole entire school went to New York to see Dr Doolittle the movie. I can see my mother and Ms Gelfond laughing and talking on the bus. She was a great story teller. She could have been a great actress. Loved her voice. But not when we did something bad.

I will always remember Ms. Gelfond. She was my favorite teacher. Wonderful educator.

I remeber Mrs.Gelfond as my principle in East Orange. She was tough on us. But thats what we needed. She showed us love as well. She gave 100% every single day. She was the perfect example of how to teach kids right from wrong. Im glad to have had her in my life.

I remember Miss Gelfond as a great teacher who cared about the students. If only there were more educators like her. I remember in the 6th grade one of the books she read to the class was charlotte's web. There are so many that I think of that happened at Washington school. But that remains one of my favorites. Rest in peace Miss Gelfond you will be missed.

This poem is a reflection of all the memories I hold about Thelma and I miss our conversations, dinners and many laughing moments. I am very grateful that I had an opportunity to know Thelma(TG) as an educator and a dear friend. I miss you and hold you forever in my heart.


In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful...

I WANTED YOU TO KNOW I PERMANENTLY SPONSORED THIS MEMORIAL FOR THELMA. IF YOU HAVE ANYMORE INTERESTING STORIES OR PHOTOS, PLEASE ADD THEM. THANK YOU!

COLLEAGUES I SPOKE WITH HAVE AGREED, THAT WE REALLY LEARNED HOW TO BE GREAT EDUCATORS THROUGH THELMA. SHE IS A TOUGHIE , KNOWN TO STRONG ARM FOR THE GOOD OF OUR CHILDREN, BUT IS RESPECTED & LOVED BY MOST!

WHEN THE EXPRESSION “SHARED DECISION MAKING CAME OUT, THELMA DEFINED IT IN OUR STAFF MEETINGS AS, “I GET INFORMATION, I MAKE A DECISION, THEN I WILL SHARE MY DECISION WITH YOU.” WHEN LOGIC PREVAILED, “MISS GELFOND”, GAVE WAY.

IT WAS VERY FUNNY TO WATCH THELMA BRING A...

30 July 2008, 4pm
To all,
Thelma was exceptional, and especially close to my aunt. My aunt, who lost most everything in a house fire (late 1960's?) considered Thelma's help to be nothing short of a "rescue". I heard the story quite a few times, as my aunt was overwhelmed by the generous assistance that Thelma provided.

We remember her, and thank her, for her help, and long term friendship. We want you to know our thoughts and sympathy are with you.

the Emery family