Thelma McClelland

on March 2,2026, Thelma M. McClelland, passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 96 with family at her side.

Thelma was born in Pittsburgh on April 22, 1929, to the late Raymond Mihlfried and Helen Hartman Mihlfried. She was the beloved wife of the late Samuel R. McClelland and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

As a child, Thelma enjoyed annual summer vacations to Lake Erie and gatherings on the Hartman family farm. During high school, she took the streetcar into town to work at Kaufmann's department store. After graduation from West View High School, she went on to work as a corporate trainer at Bell Telephone. She traveled by train to instruct staff in the many district offices throughout Pennsylvania.

She and her husband Sam worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their daughters for which they will always remain grateful. Family activities included camping, boating and water skiing. Most importantly, a foundation for Christian faith was provided and modeled.

As her children got older, she returned to work as a travel agent. For many years, Thelma worked diligently planning the perfect trip for family members, friends and "walk-ins" while she continued to travel extensively nationally and internationally with friends and family. She retired from First Choice Travel in 2000.

Thelma was a life-long member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of West View and later attended Memorial Park Church.

Thelma lived a life of indomitable spirit with many interests and hobbies. In addition to her travel, she was a member of two golf leagues, a stock club and Mellwood Women's Club. She enjoyed playing cards, most recently at Cumberland Crossing in McCandless Township where she moved in 2022. Throughout her life she remained a faithful Steeler fan, always donning her Steeler sweatshirt for game day.

For decades she served as the judge of elections at the local voting polls. She also enjoyed volunteering at the US Open at Oakmont. Thelma continued to read the Wall Street Journal and Barron's well into her nineties.

Throughout her entire life Thelma was blessed to have the love and support of her only sibling, sister Lorraine Kossler of Columbus, Ohio. Left to treasure Thelma's memories are her daughters Sandy Hachmeister (Hugh) and Tracy Weller (Ted), grandchildren Natalie McWilliams (Brian), Andrew Hachmeister (Abbie) and Margo Fontana (Ethan), and great-grandson Luca Hachmeister. Her memory will be an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her.

Family will welcome friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6th at Schellhaas & Sons Funeral Home, 1600 Stone Mansion Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143 (Franklin Park/Wexford), where a funeral service honoring Thelma's life will take place following visitation at 11:00 a.m..

Deep gratitude for nearly four years of wonderful care is extended to Cumberland Crossing staff and for the many friendships she was blessed to gain. Deep gratitude is also extended to Family Hospice, part of UPMC and UPMC Passavant Pavillion 6 South for outstanding care and compassion in these recent days.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, memorial contributions in Thelma's name may be made to Samaritan's Purse (PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607) or Family Hospice (700 Bower Hill Road, Suite 1405, Pittsburgh, PA 15243).

Please leave all condolences at www.schellhaasfh.com.