- Date Of Birth: February 28, 1927
- Date Of Death: April 18, 2022
- State: Michigan
Thelma M. Burrell passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, April 18, 2022, in Portage, MI. She was born February 28, 1927, in Jackson, MI, the daughter of the late Ray and Doris (Horton) Beemer. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Concord, Michigan. She graduated from Concord High just as WWII was winding down. Shortly after graduation, Thelma married Arthur Mortimer Jr. and together they had two daughters and a son. During that time, she began a 31-year career as a Telephone Operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company.
On December 4, 1970, Thelma married William Burrell who preceded her in death on March 30, 1986. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Albert, Irving, Ray, Douglas, and John Beemer; brothers-in-law, Cliff Bush, and Ray Burnett; sisters-in-law Diane, Jo, and Roetta Beemer; stepchildren, Carole Gilbert and Barbara Strong; son-in-law, Dennis Berghuis; and special friend, Charlie Morin. Thelma is survived by her children, Mary Anne Berghuis, Arthur (Darlene) Mortimer, and Patricia (Chris) Moniz; stepchildren, William Burrell, Jr., James (Terri) Burrell, Margaret Burrell, Jeanne Burrell, and Betty (Peter) Holysz; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; siblings, Edith Burnett, Alice Bush, Elwyn (Juanita) Beemer, Donald Beemer, Delbert (Donna) Beemer, and Howard (Phyllis) Beemer; sister-in-law, Jean Beemer; and many nieces and nephews.
She was a member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Portage, Michigan where she faithfully attended until the pandemic. She was also a member of the Portage Senior Center, where she enjoyed playing dominoes and going on excursions to the casino. Thelma enjoyed fishing, golfing, and bowling, and tending to her garden. Later in life, she enjoyed reading, working jigsaw puzzles, word searches, and meeting daily with friends at Panera.
Thelma will always be remembered for her perseverance and her optimistic outlook on life. She made the most out of every day, living life to the fullest while stretching a dollar further than most people thought was possible.
