Thelma (Gray) Espenschied

Thelma Espenschied, of Delran, NJ has gone to join our Lord on April 4, 2021.
Thelma was born in Philadelphia on February 28, 1930. Her family moved to Palmyra when she was 12, where she spent her high school years. In her Jr. yr. WW11 ended and she met a young fellow named Wes, just out of the Navy. They became engaged a year later and a year after graduation, she marred her high school sweetheart, Wes. They moved to Delran where they began their life and family together.

She was first employed with ASH Co, in Phila, then for 9 years with the Sears Co. as a Telephone Operator. During this time her family began to grow. In the 1960’s she was a Den Mother for several years, then a Brownie Leader for several years and for many years a Room Mother for each of her children. She was involved in many Delran school affairs and PTA, before serving with the Delran Fire Co. #1 Ladies Aux in the 60s and 70s.

In the late 50’s and 60’s, she wrote news columns for Burlington County Times before going to work for Delran Township. For the 27 years she was employed by the Township, she multi-tasked as Secretary of the Health Dept., Rabies Clinic, and as Registrar for 12 yrs., also as Secretary of the Planning and Zoning Boards for 7 yrs. and for 26 yrs. in the Dept. of Community Affairs. She retired from the Township work force in 1995. She was also a member of Delran Seniors, Delran Historic Soc., and Veterans Widows Assoc.

Thelma thoroughly enjoyed being with her family, extended family, and friends. She was an avid reader plus she spent many hours sewing, crafting, fabric painting, and decorating. She loved traveling, especially cruises. Having lunch or dinner with family and friends was also high on her list of enjoyments.

Thelma is predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 yrs., Wesley, who she lost in 1997. Thelma was the beloved daughter of Richard and Rachel Hall and her only sibling the late John Gray, all of Fairless Hill, Pa.

She was the loving Mother of W. Barton (Joyce) of Richmond, Va.; Cynthia L. Morgan (Bill) of Palmyra; Daniel R. Sr. (Kathy) of Riverside; Michael A. Sr. (Charline) of Tamaqua Pa.; and April L. (James) of Palmyra; 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Come celebrate 91 years Saturday 10-11am, at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside where there will be an 11am service. Interment private.  For zoom access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85197205134?pwd=UjdlYldBSndvU2F2a0FJdXppRWN5Zz09