Thelma Nathanson, 83, died Nov. 3, 2020, surrounded by family.
Born in Midland, Michigan, Thelma was happily married for over 60 years to her late husband, Gerald Nathanson. She was a worldwide traveler and had an uncanny ability to make lifelong friends wherever she went. She had a keen eye for design and filled many beautiful homes with joy and love. She loved to cook and bake, and she enjoyed traveling, reading, calligraphy, and long conversations with friends and family.
Thelma was a founder of a temple in Midland, Michigan, member of the board of Jewish Federation in Miami and active in Cystic Fibrosis, Hadassah and many more charities over her life. She started a high school in Israel, where she was active in fundraising, and supported the Tucson Hebrew Academy and Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona’s Leaf fund, which helps families in need. She also was involved in multiple entrepreneurial ventures.
For many years, she cared for her mother, Helen, and brother, Sam, who are buried beside her.
Survivors include her children, Rick Nathanson, Sharon Shi, and Joyce Sinclair; daughter-in-law Stephanie Nathanson; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona‘s Leaf program.
