Escanaba, MI
Thelma Pepin passed away peacefully, Saturday morning, Dec. 13, 2015 at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba. Her death followed a brief illness.
Born in Baraga, Michigan, on May 10, 1921, daughter of Elmer and Martha Varline, Thelma married Fred Pepin of Gladstone on December 23, 1939.
Her husband preceded her in death on April 6, 1998. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers Johnny and Wally Varline, and a sister MaryAnn Rasmussen.
She is survived by her brother Richard as well as one daughter, Cora Sue (Suzanne), and three sons, Mike, Jay and Dan. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.
Thelma was a long-time parishioner and choir member at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. She remained active in the church
Dave Strom - Gladstone, MI
Thelma, was a truly wonderful lady. My condolences to her family.
Linda (Holm) Shumard
Thelma was one of the sweetest ladies, a kind gentle soul. My mom Theresa (terry) Holm and Thelma were good friends. Thelma was there for my mom and our family many a time. Rest in peace, you will be remembered in love.
Nancy LeGault - Gladstone, MI
Dear Sue, Mike, Jay, Dan and Families, My heart is heavy because I can imagine the sadness that you are feeling. We have one less angel on earth … but heaven has gained a very special one. I have so many wonderful memories of my dear Aunt Thelma. As a young girl, all I wanted for Christmas was a blue velvet skating skirt to wear to “the rec”, in order to ice skate like my cousin, Sue. When I opened that gift on Christmas morning, my mom smiled and said, “Aunt Thelma made it for you.” She made my Christmas wish come true. I also have fond memories of Shirley Mae and I spending the night at your home on 10th Street. For dinner, your mom made the best chicken pot pie I’ve ever had. And, many years later, when Tim and I had the twins; your mom would walk over to help me out. She gave of herself and her time without wanting anything in return. She had a beautiful heart. I feel very lucky to have had her as my aunt. I will always remember her sweet disposition and easy smile. She and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Butch
Cora Sue, Mike, Jay, and Dan,I am so sorry to hear of the death of your mom. She was a terrific lady (she had to be to put up with us and our antics). I will always remember how kind she was to all of us as we played together in the neighborhood! You were richly blessed to have such a dear mother. But then she was richly blessed too to have children like you. Best wishes and many pleasant memories.
Tom Butch
Pamela J Heffner Caron - Escanaba, MI
Dear Thelma’s family, I wish so much I could be at your Mom’s service on Saturday, but will be out of town. I was a Volunteer at Bishop Noa during the last couple years Thelma resided there. I quickly came to love your Mother and thoroughly enjoyed reading to her. We had wonderful visits and I learned so much about her and her life. I know you all realize what a very special woman she was, it must have been the best to have her for your Mom, as well as Grandmother to your children. She had a loving heart for her Lord and Savior and passed that on to every one she encountered. I pray my attitude will be as positive as she exemplified, when the days of dependence on others arrive for me. She loved all of you so much, and always talked about your visits, your phone calls, things you did together thru the time you had together. I pray those memories will live in your hearts for always and know she will still be with you until you meet again. In fond memory, Pam Heffner Caron
Anonymous
Dear Pepin Family,I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear loved one. I know this is a difficult time for the family, my family and I give our sincere condolences. A wonderful promise God wil fulfill in the near future is there will be no more pain, sorrow, sickness nor death these will be things of the past.
Wishing your family has much peace.