Thelma M. McClintock, Died June 15, 2019

Thelma M. McClintockDied June 15, 2019

Thelma Marie McClintock, 89, passed away on June 15, 2019 from complications due to

dementia.

Thelma was born on May 26, 1930 to Theodore and Rachel Anderson in her family home on Hillyside Farm in Suttons Bay, Michigan.  Growing up on the farm with four devoted brothers had a profound and lasting effect on her, and helped shape her life in many ways.

She attended Suttons Bay Public Schools at the old stone schoolhouse on St. Mary’s Street.  She was raised as a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and took pride in her singing with the congregation.

A Norwegian farmer’s daughter, Thelma learned a thing or two about cherries, gardening, and preserving fresh vegetables, all under the fickle eye of Mother Nature.  That love of gardening continued throughout her life.  Ordering seeds from a multitude of catalogs fed her interest through the long Michigan winters.  Nurturing them under grow lights until they were ready to be transplanted brought wonderment to her children as the plants sprouted.

Her garden brought healthy food to the table, and countless jars of canned goods to carry through till the next year’s harvest.  Thelma’s flowers enriched the landscapes of her homes, both inside and out.  Marigolds, irises, petunias, and many other varieties brought color and life wherever she lived. Her extensive collection of African violets proliferated for many years.

Music played an important role in her life. She taught herself to play the accordion. “You Are My Sunshine” was a favorite song that she played while parading children around the

neighborhood.  Her collection of radios, record albums, cassette tapes, and compact discs
provided lasting enjoyment.  Listening to some of her favorite songs lifted her spirits even as her dementia took hold.  She sang out loud, sharing her enthusiasm for the music, which brought smiles to all who heard her.

She was an accomplished seamstress who created many outfits for her children and husband. She customized everything from crisp Irish linen and perfectly matched Pendleton wool plaid men’s shirts, to clothes and accessories for fashion-conscious Barbie and Troll dolls. Coordinating cotton dresses for her daughters at Easter were no match for those occasional spring Michigan snowstorms, but were worn with pride none-the-less.  Teaching her daughters to sew a straight seam on her trusty sewing machine undoubtedly inspired both Linda and Karen to take up quilting as a favorite hobby.

She was proud of her academic abilities and channeled her unfulfilled wish to be a teacher by tutoring her children to be life-long readers.  Libraries were visited often and reading aloud was a gift she frequently gave them.  From that foundation all of her children developed a love of reading, through which the whole world could be explored.

A life spent in the kitchen gave Thelma a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.  Her

brothers loved her Long Johns and filled cookies.  Her children looked forward to fresh baked cinnamon rolls and pumpkin pies, and often fought over who would get the first piece of bread fresh out of the oven.  Her grandchildren enjoyed the same sweet treats as she continued her baking long into life, bringing cherry pies or loaves of bread to most family gatherings.

Thelma’s strong work ethic began on the farm.  Later, as a young adult, she mastered typing and shorthand with great speed and accuracy.  Her strong social skills, and that ever present smile, helped her start her career at age 20 with the Traverse City Ford Dealership.  She retired at age 70 after working nearly two decades at United Technology in Traverse where she was formally recognized as a highly valued employee.  She took great pride in her ability to expand her skills and stay current with the changing demands of her positions .

Leisure time was often spent at thrift stores and estate sales, looking for treasures to enhance her country home.  An antique oak chair, a collectible doll, or an unusual Christmas ornament often made it home with her.  Her son adopted her penchant for finding unique treasures that others may have overlooked, and while Chuck collects different things, he shares her love of the hunt.

Above all, her greatest joy was time spent with family.  The number of photos that she took,

collected, reproduced, shared, and stored is quite extraordinary.  Throughout her life she spent time reminiscing about her childhood, her parents and brothers, her husband, her children, and her grandchildren.  Those photos were a tremendous source of happiness and comfort, particularly in her later years when it was still easy for her to conjure up people, events, and experiences of long ago.

Thelma’s greatest asset was her sense of humor and beautiful smile.  She kept that throughout the challenges and celebrations in her life.  While she led a simple life, it was not without its hardships.  Her smile stayed, though, and that itself is enough to celebrate and remember.

She is survived by her brothers Robert (Effie) Anderson and Gene (Christine) Anderson; her

three children Linda (Charles) Hauser Mueller, Charles Hauser, and Karen Hauser; her six grandchildren Joel (Lauren) Mueller, Rebecca (Michael Todd) Sketch, Nicole and David Hauser, and Ashley and Benjamin Apel; and her four great-grandchildren Anabelle, Nettie, and Otto Sketch, and Kate Mueller. Every member of Thelma’s family has a piece of her heart and soul in them.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Steven McClintock; parents Rachel M. (Setterbo) and Theodore M. Anderson; her brothers Theodore Anderson and Clayton (Martha) Anderson; and her infant sister Rose Anderson.

The family would like to thank the staff at the French Manor Extended Care and Dr. Goldsmith for their kindness and care of Thelma.  Their dedication to her made the journey for Thelma and her family easier to traverse.

A funeral service honoring Thelma will take place August 17 at 2pm with visitation starting at 1 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Suttons Bay.  Pastor Jonathan Reid will officiate.

Those wishing to express their sympathy may consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization that supports women in crisis in your area, or your local library.

Please share condolences and memories with Thelma’s family below or on our Facebook Page.