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Thelma Bruesch Obituary
April 10, 1918 - May 8, 2021
Thelma Rand Bruesch passed away at the home of her daughter where she lived independently for the past 15 years, to the ripe old age of 103. She was the only child of the late Harold Morrill Rand and Alice Maude Bryant and was predeceased in 2008 by John Fleming Bruesch "Jack," her loving husband of 62 years. She is survived by sons Paul Rand Bruesch (wife Janice) of Greensboro NC, John Carl Bruesch (wife Yvonne) of Great Falls MT, daughter Elaine Bruesch Nelson (husband Steve) of Winston-Salem and numerous grand and great grand children.
She was born Thelma Rand April 10, 1918 at home in Roslindale, MA and was educated at Longfellow School, Washington Irving Intermediate, Girl's Latin School in Boston, Bryant & Stratton Commercial School, and graduated with honors in chemistry from Mount Holyoke College in MA, class of 1939. She was also elected to membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
Thelma worked as secretary to the director of the Technical Service Division of the American Cyanamid Company in Stamford CT and later part time to the president of SIMS (Societal Institute for the Mathematical Sciences) in New Canaan, CT.
Thelma volunteered variously in church, community and the YMCA, was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in New Canaan, CT and was active in events of the Mount Holyoke Alumnae Association.
Thelma and Jack retired to the mountains of North Carolina at Connestee Falls near Brevard in 1981 where they spent 24 glorious years enjoying active retirement, camera club, mahjong, golf, volunteering and traveling on multiple western and National Park road trips.
Thelma's incredible memory, positive attitude, sense of joy, generosity and love touched all who knew her. She had a full life and was surrounded by family and friends up to the end, when she passed into the hands of God.
She and her husband will be reunited again at the Memorial Gardens of the First Presbyterian Church in New Canaan, CT
Memories and Condolences
for Thelma Bruesch
Carl Bruesch
August 20, 2025
Think of you often with love.
Elaine
May 10, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful mother. We love you and miss you always.
Daughter Elaine
May 10, 2024
Just found this, "My Guess" whimsical poem hand written by Thelma at age 102.
Nancy
April 10, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Thelma. I still think of you often and miss our times together.
How you can show support
Your loving daughter Elaine
February 14, 2023
Best Bisnonna ever!
Elaine
May 10, 2022
MOTHER'S DAY 2022. May 8. One year anniversary. Serendipity. Mom. Love and miss you always, your 'surprise' daughter.
Mary Getts
May 18, 2021
Aunt Thelma always had a smile for you. I will always remember her with a smile.
John, Marcy, & Lexi Nelson
May 18, 2021
All who were blessed to know Thelma understand the challenge of trying to describe her. Thelma was FULL - full of love, light, gratefulness, knowledge, generosity, and personality. She rejoiced and gave thanks in all circumstances; this legacy is one to serve as a model for all to strive for. Thelma´s contagious joy, sharp mind, hearty laugh, and sincere heart will never be forgotten.
We love you, Ms. T!
John Storrier
May 16, 2021
Thelma was the oldest person I had ever met and I was saddened to hear of her passing.
I marvel when I think about
all the history she experienced in her lifetime. She leaves the world with a
rich legacy in all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren - all of
whom are making great contributions to our society. Thelma and I were also pen pals of a sort. We both enjoyed writing and she once used a word that was new to me - "peerless". Well Thelma, I finally get to use that word in describing you - You were truly "peerless" !!
RIP
Nancy H Lovinggood
May 16, 2021
Thelma was such a loving, caring friend. I treasure our times together. I was happy that we had so many Saturday afternoons around the piano with singing and dancing. She will always be in my heart. I'm sure she, Jack, Calvin and Eric are catching up on all the news! Thelma had so many friends, I'm sure they are all gathered around her, especially Aunt Ginny! I will miss our Saturday afternoons! Love you, Thelma!
Elaine
May 16, 2021
Thelma's dad called her "Bobby", a nickname for her hair style...forever in our hearts!
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