Thelma Kasprzyk, 84, of Allegan, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 10, 2017 at Ely Manor in Allegan.
Mrs. Kasprzyk was born April 2, 1933 in the city of Huddersfield located in West Yorkshire, England. She was the daughter of the late Colin and Lucy (Lockwood) Broadbent and wife of the late Tadeusz Kasprzyk.
She met the love her life, Ted, after World War II in England. Ted and his family emigrated from Poland to America in 1951. Shortly after her 18th birthday, Thelma made the journey across the ocean arriving into Ellis Island in April of 1952. Arriving in a new country, alone, Thelma waited three days in New York for Ted and his family. Ted and Thelma married shortly thereafter in Chicago. Together they studied and began the legal process of becoming a United States Citizen, in which they were both so very proud of.
They settled and made their home in Chicago, had three boys, and traveled to Allegan on the weekends where they farmed the land. They eventually relocated permanently in Allegan, where Ted opened up Ted's Auto Body Shop, Inc.
Thelma was a one-of-a-kind lady who brought love, laughter, and joy wherever she went. If you ask her children, they would say that she was a brave and adventurous soul who was full of personality and that love just "flowed" out of her. She was a vivacious and funny woman who brought great inspiration to those around her.
Thelma was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for more than 40 years. She enjoyed getting out among people of all ages, volunteering at Forever Curious Children's Museum and cooking dinners or desserts for Wings Home in Allegan.
She was a member of Lifelong Learners, and occasionally met for lunch with her life long friends and former co-workers of Tru-Heat Corporation where she was employed for several years.
Her love for her family was always foremost in her life though. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren felt blessed to have such a wonderful woman as their role model and will miss her beautiful smile and gentle spirit.
Thelma is survived by her three boys, Rich and Louise Kasprzyk, Chris and Bethany Kasprzyk and Matt and Mary Kasprzyk; her grandchildren, Cory Kasprzyk, Erin (Matthew) Thunander, Allison Kasprzyk, Kieran Kasprzyk, Zachary Kasprzyk, Hannah (Spencer) Vasquez and Emma Kasprzyk; her two great-grandchildren, Margaret and Lucy Thunander; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death and welcoming Thelma to her heavenly home were her parents, Colin and Lucy Broadbent; siblings, Norman, Lewis, and Freida; husband Tadeusz (Ted); and daughter-in-law Deborah (McCullough) Kasprzyk.
Friends will meet with the family on Monday, April 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 18, at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. A luncheon will follow at Blessed Sacrament's Saint Edwards Hall.
Memorials may be made in Thelma's name to Forever Curious Children's Museum, 202 East Main St., PO Box 1101, Fennville, MI 49408.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.
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