Obituary of Thelma S. Stohrer

Thelma Steedman (Sclater) Stohrer passed away peacefully on November 5, 2016 at 9:12 pm at the age of 81 years, after a long courageous struggle with dementia, surrounded by the love of her family. Thelma was born September 24, 1935 in Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia to Harold James Sclater and Charlotte Mary Adams (Bates) Sclater. On May 25th, 1964 she married Willie Carl Stohrer in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Along with her husband she is survived by her daughter Charlotte Emma Stohrer Risser and son in law Jason Paul Risser of Saint Joseph, Michigan and two beloved granddaughters Ava Caroline Risser and Sara Isabelle Risser. She is also survived by a son Charles William Stohrer of Kalamazoo, Michigan, two brothers Donald James Sclater and Harold Keith Sclater, his wife Vera Sclater and their loving families of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all residing in Thelma's homeland of Australia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her nephews Bruce and Lloyd Sclater and a grandniece Jazmin Mehmet. After finishing school Thelma was trained and employed as a "chairside" dental nurse for eleven years in the Dental Surgery of Dr. W. D. May D.D.S. During this time she was allowed to take two short leaves of absence to work as a photographer's assistant on several summer cruises in the South Pacific on The Orient Line Ships. Thelma enjoyed hiking with friends which is referred to as "Bush Walking" in Australia and also enjoyed spending time with friends and family at the many Australian beaches. Thelma also did a bit of photograph modeling. Thelma met her husband Bill Stohrer when he was assigned by Bendix to work in Australia and New Zealand. After five years of letter writing they met in San Francisco and flew on to Canada to marry and then flew back to Burbank, CA to start their married life where Bill was assigned. While living in Burbank, CA Thelma enjoyed visiting the Hollywood Movie Studios by invitation through friends she met while living in Burbank. They also lived in Oklahoma City prior to settling in Niles, Michigan. In Niles, Thelma worked at Westbank Engraving for many years, but her first love was being a mother. Thelma, "Grans" to her grandchildren, was a loving wife, devoted mother, sister and grandmother who was very active in her children and grandchildren's lives. Always present at school, the pool, the track or the gym. Thelma enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, baking, cooking, swimming and endless summer days at the beach. An accomplished seamstress in her own right. Thelma was selfless, a dear friend to many, and a vibrant soul who loved people. Her kindness, beauty and grace undeniable. A memorial service will be held on November 22, 2016 at 3pm at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, Michigan, with a time of visitation beginning at 2pm. Burial will be in Ann Arbor, Michigan at Washtenong Memorial Park Cemetery by the immediate family where arrangements have previously been made. Thelma had faithfully attended St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Niles, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to thank Hospice at Home, Caretel Inns of Lakeland, and Thelma's many caregivers & friends for the care afforded her. Memories of Thelma may be shared with her family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.