Thelma Sim

Lakewood, WA - Thelma Harder Sim, MD, born Thelma Montiel Harder on September 19, 1936, in Calinog, Philippines, entered eternal life on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. She passed peacefully at her home in Lakewood, Washington, with her devoted husband of 59 years, Joel Clamor Sim, MD, by her side.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Sharon Sim-Rozee, and her brothers: Benjamin Harder, Emmanuel "Tet" Harder, Mabini "Benny" Harder, Ishmael "Ma-ing" Harder, and Jose "Pepe" Harder. She is survived by her husband, Joel Sim; her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Sandra Sim, and grandchildren Brandon, Jolie, and Serena; her son-in-law, David Bruce Rozee, and granddaughter Mia; her brother Samuel Harder; and Esther Chavez.

Thelma was raised in Iloilo, Philippines, the second youngest of seven children. From an early age, she showed a natural compassion for others-a quality that guided her toward a life of service in medicine. She earned her medical degree from Far Eastern University in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States in 1966 to complete her pathology residency in Brooklyn, New York. That same year, she married her college sweetheart, Joel, as he began his active-duty career in the U.S. Army. Together, they started a family and shared a life of adventure that took them across the United States and Europe.

Thelma practiced as a pathologist for 29 years and also served nearly 20 years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, retiring honorably with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Despite her many accomplishments, Thelma remained humble, soft-spoken, and deeply kind. She had a gift for listening and made everyone she met feel seen and valued. An avid reader with a love for nearly every genre, she was rarely without a book in hand. She also cherished collecting small mementos from the many places she lived and traveled, each one holding a story.

Above all, Thelma was a gentle and loving soul, devoted to her family and faithful in her service to Our Lord Jesus Christ. She was a respected physician, a proud military veteran, a loving mother to Steve and Sharon, and a steadfast partner to Joel. Those who knew her will remember her for her quiet strength, humility, and unwavering kindness. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

In accordance with her Christian faith and her belief in the promise of eternal life through Christ, funeral services will be held on January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.