Thelma Ruth Ellerin

Thelma Ellerin passed away on August 19 after a brief illness. She was 97 years old. 

 Thelma was born and raised in Gloucester, Ma, the daughter of Isadore and Eva Tarlow. After graduating from Gloucester High School, she studied at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst graduating with a BS in Sociology. She continued her studies at Simmons College, School of Social Work, earning her Masters Degree.

 She went on to work as a medical social worker at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in NYC. After which she worked at the VA Hospital in Boston. At that time, she met her husband Saul who was living and working in Manchester NH. They married in 1959 and Thelma transferred to the Manchester VA Hospital. She was then recruited by a local psychiatrist to join the staff of the nascent Community Guidance Center. Over the years, the center evolved into the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester where she completed 32 years of service. Thelma was dedicated to the Mental Health Center and to her patients to whom she gave therapy and support.

 Thelma and her husband were long time members of Temple Adath Yeshurun in Manchester, a lifetime member of Hadassah, and a board member of the Temple Sisterhood. In addition, she worked for the Jewish Federation as CJA captain. Thelma was also a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Both Thelma and Saul were long time members of the Manchester YMCA and volunteered there as well.

 In their latter years, Thelma and Saul took up residence at the Gables in Rutland Vt, in order to be near their son Steve. There she made many friends and participated in activities such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Arts & Crafts, and of course Bingo.

 Thelma was a warm, kind-hearted person with significant inner strength. She always pushed herself to be active even up to her last few days.

 Thelma was predeceased by her husband Saul and her two brothers, John and Sherwood (Woody). She is survived by her son Steve, and her daughter Judy and husband David Gray.

 A graveside service will be held on Wednesday (8/21) at 11:30am the Hebrew Cemetery, S. Beech St., Manchester 03103.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:

 -The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (Endowment Fund), 401 Cypress St, Manchester NH 03103

 -The Granite YMCA (The Ellerin Family Fund), 30 Mechanic St, Manchester NH 03101