Thelma Russell of Clinton Corners, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, peacefully at Lutheran care Center on February 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in her last days. She just celebrated her 93rd birthday. Born on January 8, 1931. One of 10 children, born to Nellie and Elias Chadwell, Sr. at home in South Carolina.  She grew up on Kennels Rd., Mabbettsville, as her dad was Head Huntsman for the Millbrook Hunt. She attended and graduated from Millbrook high school in the Thorne Building. In her high school years, she worked for Vincent's Pharmacy in Millbrook, New York. She then married her high school, sweetheart, Gilman Russell on August 1, 1954. Thelma became a mom to Robin Ann Russell Mallory in October of 1955. She and Robin grew to be best friends as well as mother and daughter. Spending time together shopping yard saling, dining and laughing hysterically over basically nothing. One of her fondest memories being her trip to Florida. Thelma worked at Bennett College for 17 years until it's closing. She then went onto a new job as CNA at the Baptist Home of Rhinebeck in 1977. This was her true calling in life as she adored "the old people", and they in turn,  adored her. She retired in 2001. Thelma had two grandchildren, Shannon Marie Mallory in 1984 and Sean Michael Mallory in 1986.  She had many, many fond and happy memories with them. She was especially close to her sister and best friend, Alyce Cole. They shopped, vacationed and did what friends do. Many laughs and teasing, along with daily phone calls. Thelma loved to yard sale, do her crosswords, word searches, read her Bible and watch Dr. Charles Stanley  and Dr. David Jeremiah.  Thelma was a firecracker! She had a great sense of humor, quick wit, and with that a spunkiness. No one ever "pulled the wool over her eyes!"  And she prided herself on being a "tough old bird." When dementia hit and she was in Lutheran Care Center, she was always looking for her Robin. And many times asking for her mom. She gave the staff at LCC a run for their money. Being sweet to them (Thelma), and yelling and cussing at them, (her evil twin). She made sure she kept them on their toes by wandering. It is because of her, they had to put up a very realistic wallpaper on the exit doors that looked like shelves with books.  The family wants to thank the staff at Lutheran Care Center for loving Thelma so much, and caring for her like she was their own. Such a beautiful and clean facility. We never worried about her care. Thelma was predeceased by her parents, Elias, Sr., and Nellie Chadwell,  Her brothers, Earl (Josie), Irvin, Rixey (Thelma), Floyd (Louise), Marvin ("Jingle"), Elias, Jr., (Eileen), and sisters, Evelyn (Jack) Anspach, Helen (Buddy) L'Heureux, Alyce "Poochie" (Richard) Cole. Survivors include Robin Mallory, Hudson, NY, Shannon Mallory, Hudson, NY, and Sean Mallory (Elizabeth "Tess"),  Chicago, Ill.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to Strong Paws. Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home, Millbrook.