Thelma C. Bergquist, a longtime Fairport resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at age 93. She was predeceased by her husband Carl Marcel Bergquist and her parents, Roy and Dorothy Crandall. She is survived by her close friend and the daughter she never had, Beth Aten, and longtime friends and neighbors, Todd and Stacey Marotta, and Caroline Butts who supported her on her final journey.
For over 35 years as a Fairport teacher, Thelma guided hundreds of young elementary school students through their formative years. In retirement, she enjoyed the companionship of her many friends and travel, with trips to Chautauqua being special. Heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at St. Ann’s at Cherry Ridge for their kind and compassionate care during Thelma’s final days.
At Thelma’s request, there will be no calling hours and services will be private. Donations may be made to The Advent House, 1010 Moseley Road, Fairport 14450 in Thelma’s memory.
Comments
8 responses to “Bergquist, Thelma C.”
Thelma was a wonderful friend, neighbor, and our adopted neighborhood family member. Her kindness and generosity was widely known by the many friends she had. Always sharp as a whip she truly remained strong of mind. We surely will miss you Thelma. We are better people having had you share in our lives.
One of our favorite Brooks Hill teachers!
Thelma was one of my first mentors when I was hired as a kindergarten teacher at BH in 1983!
She was one of the most wonderful, warm, caring, creative, kind, and inspirational mentors that fueled my passion for teaching for the next 37 years!
I thought of her so often after she retired and missed her smile next door or down the hall. Thank you for all the guidance, joy and wonderful memories Thelma💕
Josie Antonio Keller
I was very fortunate to have taught with Thelma for many years. She was truly a wonderful teacher and a role model to all of us new comers to the profession. I loved tip toeing into her kindergarten room after school and listen to her play away on the piano. It was very relaxing for me at the end of the day working with those little first graders. My favorite tease was picking on her for her dusting routine every day befor coming to school.
She was always a lady and very professional. She always put the child first. I was a better teacher having her as one of my mentors. She loved her life with Marcel and where one was, so you would find the other.
Rest in peace, Thelma. Love you.
Jan
Thelma was a wonderful mentor when I began to teach kindergarten. She was very welcoming and supportive. I loved how she incorporated music and piano playing into her program. I was inspired to do the same. She taught both of my children giving them a great start in their school careers. I can still remember how she had an opening introduction to the day with the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “You’re AGrand Old Flag” When I put my children to bed some nights, I’d hear them singing it! Rest in peace, Thelma , knowing that you touched so many young lives in a positive way.
Joining the “Brooks Hill Gang” in 1974 allowed me to meet Thelma, a terrific woman who LOVED her kindergarten teaching job. In addition to academics she showed children and grownups how to behave and respect with grace. I had the short pleasure of substituting for Thelma and on the piano was the sheet music I had to play, so practice I did, it didn’t sound the same. If Thelma was in school or around town she always had a smile or lovely conversation for everyone. Thelma we miss you.
Thelma took us under her wing when we moved to Fairport in 1996 as her neighbor and she and Marcel became dear family friends. She would bring home baked goods and delicious meals. We loved to exchange recipes and I will cherish how she would help me to get the recipe as close to hers as I could, but her prepared recipe always tasted better. ❤️ When we moved away and back to Fairport, it was as if no time had passed. We now had 5 children and Thelma attended grandparent senior friend days for each of our kids; and through the years guiding each one – she was wonderful with kids! I will miss our talks and her wisdom of knowing just what to say, always positive. Our family will forever be grateful for Thelma’s kindness, love, generosity and compassion. We miss her dearly.
She was a wonderful, warm, caring, professional teacher!