NORWICH – Thelma Homovich, 83, of Norwich, passed away early Monday morning, May 3, 2010, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in Guilford in April of 1927, Thelma was the daughter of Everett and Florence Baldwin Shapley. Growing up in the Oxford/Guilford area, she attended the Oxford schools. On June 9, 1945, in Guilford, Thelma married John Homovich. Early in their marriage, they had a farm in South Oxford. They later lived in Norwich and the Sherburne area, then relocated to Greenwood, South Carolina in the early 1990s, returning to Norwich in December of 2009. Thelma served as a superintendent and Sunday school teacher for the North Norwich United Methodist Church and worked for a brief time for the Matthews Dress Shop in Norwich. But her purpose in life was to be a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and she excelled at it. At the time her husband became ill, Thelma took on the duties of his care. She was very dedicated to her family and credited with keeping them together.
Thelma is survived by her husband, John Homovich of Norwich; by her children and their spouses: James and Ina Homovich of Norwich, Robert and Patricia Homovich of Greenwood, S.C., Sheila and William Bagnall of Sherburne, Sharon and Paul Cunningham of Smyrna, Ronald Homovich of North Norwich, and Terri and James Weaver of South New Berlin. Eighteen grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews also survive. Thelma was predeceased by her infant sister, Vera Shapley, and by her brothers, Wilbur and Gerald Shapley.
Private funeral services for Thelma will be held at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, with the Rev. Richard Anderson, pastor of the North Norwich United Methodist Church, officiating. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be in the Sylvan Lawn Cemetery in Greene.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Norwich Emergency Squad, 31 East Main St.. Norwich. NY 13815.