Thelma Stebbins

EAST SHELDON. Thelma D. Stebbins died peacefully Tuesday, March 13, 2007, surrounded by her loving family at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, Vermont. Thelma Dorothy Hulbert was born n Fairfax, Vermont on August 30, 1927, the daughter of the late Elmer and Gertrude (Putnam) Hulbert. She graduated from Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax and the Johnson Normal School. Thelma was an elementary school teacher at Marshfield, and then worked as a substitute teacher in Sheldon while raising her family.
On January 14, 1949, she married George O. Stebbins, Jr., in Bakersfield, Vermont. George and Thelmas partnership was long, rich, and deep, including shared home, church, and community endeavors; joyous celebrations and family gatherings; an appreciation of books, music, stories, jokes, and simple pleasures, love of family and country life; a fierce Scrabble rivalry; loving care in times of illness; and, above all, a wonderful friendship. Thelma found much joy and pride in the loving marriage she and George built and sustained over 58 years. Together they raised eight children on their family farm in East Sheldon, working hard, having fun, and doing their best to follow Christs example, where love is the center of all things.
\tAs her children grew and attended school, Thelma was an active participant in school activities such as the Home School Club and Cub Scouts, and always encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue music, sports, drama, travel, and other opportunities.
Thelma believed the hard work of the country people makes the world go round, and she was proud to be in that number. She dedicated herself to her church, community, town, and family. She was a blue-ribbon knitter and quilter, made some of the best chocolates and fudge around, and loved to walk you around her beautiful flower garden. Thelma delighted in such things as a ladys-slipper in the swamp woods, a babys cry or a childs laughter, and the snow glistening in the sun on a frosty winter morning.
An active member of the Sheldon United Methodist Church, Thelma served as Church Financial Secretary and Sunday school teacher for many years. She worked tirelessly at annual church suppers, bazaars, and craft shows, usually donating works of her own hand, such as flowers, candies, baked goods, and homemade crafts.
Thelma was a dedicated citizen of the Town of Sheldon, serving many years as Town Lister. She and George served on the Sheldon Home Days Committee and were named Grand Marshals of the 2006 Parade. She was honored with a Vermont Public Service award, and the U.V.M. Extension Service Volunteer of the year award.
Thelma was a member of the Sheldon Raiders home demonstration group, the Healing Circle Breast Cancer Support Group, Sheldon Historical Society, and a past member of Eastern Star. She served on the Franklin County Field Days , and each year worked in the Homemakers Building, arranging and judging various entries. Thelma and George helped care for their siblings in sickness, and made monthly trips to Franklin County nursing homes, visiting family and friends.
\tThelma valued family over all things except the Lord, and we could not have asked for a better or more loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother. She is survived by her husband, George O. Stebbins, Jr., and her children and their spouses: Kathleen & G. John Gorton, II, of Fairfield; George O. Stebbins, III, & Debra of Sheldon; Gregory M. & Celeste Kane Stebbins of Sheldon; Timothy D. & Tammy Stebbins of Sheldon; daughter-in-law Teresa Stebbins of Georgia; Rebecca Tarte Richards & Michael Richards of Milton; Linda & Leon Benoit of Sheldon; and Peter J. Stebbins of Washington, D.C.. Thelma loved and enjoyed her 26 grandchildren: Iain & wife Necia, Daniel , Benjamin , and Samuel Gorton; Morgan, Nathan, Landon & fiancee Ellen Bosley, and Nicholas Stebbins; Emily, Michael, Matthew, and Sean Stebbins; Regan & husband Paul Keelty, Ashlee and fiance Chris Schofield, and Casey Stebbins; Laura, Eric, and Kristine Stebbins; Gregory, Olivia, and Zachary Tarte; and Jessica , Dianna, Andrew, Stuart , and Evelyn Benoit. Further joy came upon the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Emma Keelty and Alexandria Gorton. Also surviving are her brother and his wife, Carl & Laura Hulbert of Salt Springs, Florida and sister-in-law and her husband Janet Stebbins Lumbra and Reuben Lumbra of Milo, Maine; and many nieces and nephews. Thelma was pre-deceased by her son, David Merritt Stebbins; her granddaughter, Olivia Chapman Tarte; her parents, Elmer and Gertrude Hulbert; her mother-in-law, Stella Chapman Stebbins; her father-in-law, George O. Stebbins, Sr.; her sisters, Marjorie Lawyer, Inez Cota, and Evelyn Facto; her two brothers, Elmer "Bud" Hulbert and Samuel Hulbert; and her sisters-in-law, Ryllis Severance and Lila Jones.
Visiting hours will be held Sunday, March 18, 2007 at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Avenue, Enosburg Falls, Vermont from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
A memorial service and celebration of Thelmas life will be held Saturday May 26, 2007 at 2:00 PM at the Sheldon United Methodist Church with Rev. Donovee Copenhaver officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Vermont Cancer Research Facility, 149 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.
Thelmas family wishes to thank Dr. Gamal Eltabbakh and his staff especially Toni & Julia for their many years of loving care. Also, thanks to the Northwestern Medical Center nursing staff, Dr. Lorne Babb and the staff at the Cold Hollow Family Practice and finally the staff at the Franklin County Home Health Agency for their compassionate and professional care.
Condolences may be sent to the family on-line through www.spearsfuneralhome.com