Thelma Peikes Obituary

Name: Visitation for Thelma Peikes
Start: 2014-06-03T17:00:00.000Z
Location: Tiferet Bet Israel

Thelma Peikes of Norristown Thelma Peikes, who spent a lifetime as a community volunteer, died June 2, 2014 at the age of 94. She was married for 64 years to the late Dr. Irwin L. Peikes. Raised in Toronto, she was a young mother when the family settled in Norristown. Her volunteer positions began as a teenager for the Jewish National Fund, one which she received an honor from Golda Meir. She was a life board member of Tiferet Bet Israel Board of Directors and its predecessor Norristown Jewish Community Center. She served as president of the synagogue's Women's League, and chaired countless fund raising committees including Jewish Theological Seminary and Jewish National Fund. She chaired an Art Festival for 13 years at the Norristown Jewish Community Center bringing original paintings, sculptures and art programs to the community. She was a member of the synagogue's first adult Bat Mitzvah class. She was an active volunteer for her children's schools. She served on the auxiliaries of Sacred Heart and Montgomery Hospitals. She was recipient of the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award, State of Israel Tribute Award, Mary Weiss Woman of Achievement Award and honored by B'nai Birth. She is survived by daughters Dr. Debby Peikes (Robby Cohen), Judy Chesnick (Dr. Steven), President Judge Susan Peikes Gantman (Lewis), and Rebecca Peikes (Leigh Weber), grandchildren Jason Steinberg (Patty Reagin), Cassie Steinberg, Adam Chesnick, Rob Chesnick (Dr. Annie Weitberg), David Chesnick, Jon (Dr. Emily) Gantman, Stephanie (Rob) Kaplan, Dr. Rachel Kohn, Michael Kohn, and great grandchild Ilana Gantman. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday June 3 at Tiferet Bet Israel, 1920 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell PA. The family will be receiving guests at 1 p.m. Interment will be at the synagogue cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Thelma and Irwin Peikes Scholar in Residence Fund at Tiferet Bet Israel, 1920 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell PA 19422 or a charity of the donor's choice.

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Published by The Times Herald from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thelma Peikes

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11 Entries

Stuart E. Marcus

June 28, 2014

It is with pride that I cherish and remember my childhood at Norristown JCC and the quality time spent with Ms. Thelma Peikes. My prayers and thoughts to the family.

Lydia Taxis Buckwalter

June 6, 2014

Dear Debbie, Judy, Susan, Rebecca and your extended family,
I was so sad to read of Thelma's death. She was a warm and elegant woman,
setting an example for all you girls as an intelligent, civic minded, strong woman.
She was always gracious and thoughtful ;I always felt like one of her girls when I came to play or visit.
She has left a lovely legacy and will be sorely missed. My
deepest sympathies to all of you. With love,

Linda Boyd Tornetta

June 5, 2014

Dear Debbie, Judy, Susan, Rebecca and family,

Your mother and father were very special people to me and my mother. I'm so sad to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a warm, elegant and giving person.
Linda Boyd Tornetta

Cookie & Yaak Penciner

June 4, 2014

So sorry to hear about Thelma.
Many of my fond childhood memories centred around her. I was flower-girl at Thelma and Irwin's wedding at the Minsker shul in Toronto. Aunt Sadie (your grandmother) sewed the dress and crocheted the head-piece I wore. I was so proud!
The last time I spoke to Thelma was before Rosh Hashana. I wished her a happy and healthy new year. She answered, saying that I had done a “mitzvah”. She always managed to convert one's actions into good deeds.
All wonderful memories.
Cookie and Yaak

Joan Cahill

June 3, 2014

Dear Debby, Judy, Susan and Rebecca,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Mom was a special lady and she lives on through each of you. Thelma will always have a special place in my heart.

Pat Higgins

June 3, 2014

My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time of loss. I only knew your mother for a short time but one thing I could tell was how much she loved all of you and that is a wonderful gift.

June 3, 2014

Thelma was such a loving and inspirational woman. She took such pride in her family, her community and her Synagogue!! To the entire Peikes family, you have lost a true Matriarch. She will be greatly missed by all. May her memory be for a blessing.

Jill Kornfeld

June 3, 2014

So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Fran Ierardi

Arza, Arny Eisenberg & family

June 3, 2014

We are very sad to hear about Thelma's passing.
We grew up together in Toronto many years ago & despite each of us going his way we have always been in contact and in each others hearts.
We loved Thelma for her generous & caring personality,her wisdom & practicality.
She will be sorely missed, may her memory be blessed.
Arza,Arny Eisenberg family- Israel, L.A.

Joanne Silks

June 2, 2014

For some things there are no words, only shoulders to lean on, hands to hold and hugs to comfort. I offer to you all of these. My thoughts and prayers are with the Peikes family. Thelma will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Elaine Hannock

June 2, 2014

She was an incredibly lovely, elegant woman. I will never forget watching her light the shabbos candles at shul, and reciting the blessings in Hebrew, then in English. My deepest condolences to her family. May her memory be for a blessing.

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