Submitted by: Dan Rich

Thelma Greenwood

Nov. 17, 1908 - June 7, 2008

South Bend Tribune 6/9/2008
SOUTH BEND - Thelma "Jimmy" Greenwood, 99, passed away on June 7, 2008, Saturday morning, surrounded by her immediate family and a niece, Ruth Ann Donahue. She was born on November 17, 1908, in South Bend, to the late Charles E. and Hazel (Denslow) Greenwood. After graduation from the College of Commerce, Thelma worked at Ball Band and Uniroyal for over 45 years. She retired as the head of the stenographic department. Thelma was preceded in death by her four sisters, Eugenia Arata, Winifred Thompson, Mary Divine and Eva Ziesenhene; and by two brothers, Jennings "Jake" Greenwood and Loren "Buster" Greenwood.

Thelma is survived by nieces and nephews with whom she lived, helped raise, and considered her children from the time they were born. They are Loren E. Greenwood, Virginia M. Dreibelbeis, Larry J. Greenwood and Marianne Arata. She also told everyone their children were her grandchildren. She always said her children and grandchildren are what kept her young and she always wanted them with her. A very special thank you goes to her niece, Ruth Ann Donahue, who loved and cared for her the past two years. Thelma was so thankful to be at Ruth Ann's. She would tell everyone "if I can't be home, I'm glad I'm here where it's most like home." More importantly, she was able to be with her immediate family. Her motto was "United we Stand, Divided we Fall." She never wanted anyone to divide the family. A very wise person once told us after meeting Jimmy, "enjoy her, she's a grand lady." She leaves many memories for her family to cherish. Many stories she would tell of her younger years in the one-room school house which is actually the white house at the 4-H Fairgrounds and of the big train wreck at Pinhook Park. She enjoyed cooking meals for her family every day. Sunday dinners were always big. She enjoyed sleepovers with the younger children, New Year's Eve for the Elf, birthday parties, big Christmases, the real big Easter egg hunts and playing cards. She helped name many of the children. Nobody will ever make fried chicken and coleslaw like her. Thelma will be missed by those who loved and cared for her.

There will be no visitation. Private graveside services will take place at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date in Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend, is assisting with funeral arrangements.