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Thelma Saper Obituary
Thelma (Cardon) Saper was born in New Brunswick, NJ, February 22, 1918, the middle of five children of Russian and Romanian immigrants, Herman and Rose (Streiff) Cardon. She grew up in New York where she worked at her father's 5-10-25 stores and as a beautician.
She met Martin L. Saper May 23, 1941 at religious services while visiting a friend in Jackson, Michigan and they married in New York in 1942, the day after she turned 24 and just before Martin joined the Army Air Force where he served in India during WWII.
Upon Martin's return from service in 1945, Thelma moved from her New York home to Michigan where they started their family in Ann Arbor, then living in Jackson, Flint, Louisville and, since 1990, East Lansing.
She was known for her prize-winning baking and the many parties she hosted to celebrate special events and friendships. Thelma donated blood to the Red Cross 80 times in 50 years, served as a museum docent, hospital guild president, and maintained a household for her five sons: Jerold (d. 1975), Brian (Belmont, MA), Roy (East Lansing, wife Nell Kuhnmuench and sons Adam and Jay), Craig (d. 1974), and Paul (Austin, TX, wife Jeri and sons Jacob and Craig).
Thelma participated in newcomers and ladies lunch groups, Martin's veteran's events and other social organizations wherever she lived. She regularly attended services at Jewish congregations and maintained a Kosher kitchen as did her parents. Thelma enjoyed her travels around the world and especially cruise excursions. She also enjoyed dark chocolate with nuts which may have helped her live a full life of 96 years!
Thelma died Tuesday, May 6, 2014 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. She was the last to die of her siblings Edward, Leon, Ethel and Clara.
A funeral service will be held at 11am, Friday, May 9, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 1924 Coolidge Rd, East Lansing. The family will welcome visitors between 10am and 11am. Burial will follow the service at Temple Beth Israel cemetery in Jackson, Michigan. The family will also receive visitors at Martin Saper's East Lansing home Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 from 7 to 9pm.
Instead of flowers, the family would suggest giving time to benefit an older friend or relative and remembering the value of the elderly and the gifts that their years have given to many.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thelma Saper
3 Entries
Martin and Thelma Saper, 1942
May 27, 2014
Terry Grady
May 11, 2014
Martin, Roy & all,
It was my pleasure to get to know your mom during many of my years in East Lansing. She was a warm and gracious who will be missed.
Ruth Geller
May 10, 2014
Dear Martin,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I miss our YMCA talks.
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