ThelmaJONESNearing what would have been her 86th birthday, we remember the full life of Thelma Jones, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
On 10th July 1939, Thelma was born in Maesteg to parents David and Edith Thomas. Thelma shared her childhood with her sisters Mair, Marian, Betty, Lynwen, Rae, Mavis, Joan, and Margaret. As a young girl, Thelma earned pocket money by tending to the homes of her neighbours. It quickly became clear that Thelma would be a master at everything to which she turned her hand. From cooking to sewing, Thelma's skills shone throughout her entire life. She carried the values of a close-knitted community in everything she did and would continue to help sister, friend, neighbour and stranger alike.
Thelma flourished while working as a machinist in Sage's Dress Company and Fiona Footwear. Her wages often went toward new clothes that Thelma would alter and design to fit her own tastes. It was when wearing one of her handmade uniforms as a waitress in Dunraven Castle that she caught the eye of Kenneth Jones. From that moment on, Ken remained by her side and on Saturday 1st October 1960 they were married. They adored each other for the next strong and proud 62 years that followed.
Thelma and Ken started their married life together in Bridgend, where they made lifelong friends. On 15th August, 1966, they welcomed their son Carl to the world. The little family moved into 10 Heol-Yr-Ysgol and filled the walls of their new home with warmth and love. As her son grew, Thelma became a cleaner at Bryntirion Comprehensive School and often supported Carl's esteemed decorating company, Jones & Jones. For many years, line dancing brought endless joy and creativity to Thelma's life in her free time.
Thelma became a Nanny to Mali on February 5th, 2001. Her close relationship with her granddaughter allowed her to pass on her homespun ways to a new generation. Thelma was a 'proper Nan' and created a wonderful, safe home.
Thelma sadly lost her husband Ken to Alzheimer's in February 2022, just a few weeks before her own diagnosis. Thelma spent some months in Ward 15 at Princess of Wales hospital, until she moved to Abergarw Care Home where she lived out her final months. At 6:30pm on 14th February 2025, Thelma passed away peacefully, with her devoted son Carl by her side. After a long struggle with dementia, we have found some comfort in that she chose Valentine's Day to be reunited with Kenny, who died 3 years ago, almost to the day.
Love you forever.
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