Obituary of Thelma Rose Arrington

Thelma Arrington was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who left this world on June 6, 2022 at the age of 87. Thelma was predeceased by her parents John and Lila Rosenbauer; sisters Audrey (Merle) Dinse, Wanda (William ) Partridge, and brothers Elvin (Joyce) Rosenbauer and Harvey Rosenbauer. Thelma is survived by daughters Dana (Robert) Maynor, Lisa (Andrew Kimball) Arrington, and son Kermit (Laura) Arrington; Grandchildren Tyler Kimball; John and Jillian Arrington; brothers-in-law James Arrington and Merle Dinse and sisters-in-law Joyce Rosenbauer and Phillis Jackson; several nieces and nephews and special friends Ann Putnam and Joan Schutt.

Thelma was the youngest of five siblings.She was a Webster High School cheerleader and graduated with her class in 1952. After graduation she worked as a secretary for Stromberg-Carlson Company where she met her future husband, John.

A wonderful and attentive mother, she supported her children in all of their endeavors including cheerleading, gymnastics and soccer. She organized family vacations on par with the best travel agent, and kept a journal of precious memories during many of these adventures.She also enjoyed weekly outings to estate and garage sales with her “Garaging Gals” and would “upcycle’ her finds into magazine worthy décor for her home.

Thelma was a creative soul and very much enjoyed all types of arts and crafts. She was an accomplished seamstress who was known to sew beautiful prom dresses and hand embellish gymnastic leotards. Some of her other specialties included a vast array of handmade Christmas ornaments, but her favorite were her beautiful handmade valentines sent to family and friends each year since the 1970’s. She would start making them months in advance, individually selecting the perfect one for each person, and happily mailing them anticipating the joy they would bring to the recipient.

Thelma was also a very loyal and loving friend and maintained lifelong friendships from her elementary and high school days. In recent years she enjoyed being part of the Webster High Purple and Gold Gal’s luncheons, the Wellness on Wednesday (WOW) group, and other crafting groups within her community. Thelma took special pride in the fact that she grew up on the shores of Irondequoit Bay, and would proudly refer to herself as a “Bay Rat.” She especially enjoyed hosting family events and insisted upon gatherings for all holidays.Thelma will be greatly missed by her family and friends but her love, creativity, friendship and wonderful memories will be everlasting.

The Arrington family would like to thank the doctors and nurses in Highland Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit and home health aide, Lois Scales for providing Thelma compassionate end of life care.

The family asks that donations in Thelma's memory be directed to the Pal-Mac Dollars for Scholars fund, Pal-Mac DFS, Attention Jim Sapienza, 127 Cuyler St., Palmyra, NY 14522. Please designate funds to go to the Arrington Family Scholarship.This annual scholarship supports students who are pursing a degree in Special Education, Music, Speech or Occupational Therapy or Psychology and are committed to working with children who have special needs.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022 from 3:00-6:00 PM at Falvo Funeral Home, 1295 Nine Mile Point Rd.Webster, N.Y.14580.