Thelma “Thel” Edelman, 93, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020 of natural causes with family by her side, at Welbrook Grand Montecito, a Memory Care Community located in Las Vegas, NV.
Thel was the widow of Norman “Norm” Edelman, her loving and devoted husband who passed just months shy of their 60th anniversary. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she resided in Cherry Hill, NJ, for 47 years before relocating with Norm to Las Vegas, NV, in 2003.
She was the devoted daughter of the late Samuel and Mae Zankman, proud sister of the late Harry Zankman and Alvin Zankman, and cousin of nonagenarian Sydney Levit.
Nothing made Thel happier than “kvelling” about her three sons, Brad, Larry, and Ric, their wives, Ingrid, Ashley, and Jean, five granddaughters Katrina, Courtney, Morgan, Alexandra “Alex”, and Casey, three grandsons-in-law, Derek, Jason, and Jake, and four great-grandchildren, Lucy, Hannah, Jonah, and Ogden “Oggy”.
Thel was a lifelong Sinatra fan who did it “her way” and a proficient Mahjong and canasta player who also claimed to have “lucky” draw poker machines at her favorite Vegas casinos. A true fashionista, she loved her red lipstick. She also loved her Hershey’s dark chocolate, Cheez-its, Philadelphia cheesesteaks and pretzels, belly lox (“Nova has no taste!”), and spaghetti and meatballs. A Philadelphia Phillies fan, she treasured spending time on the beach with family at the Jersey Shore.
Her great passion was one she shared with Norm for over 50 years. Together they built a bowling tournament empire with son Brad that transcended business relationships into lifelong friendships.
Thel left behind countless other treasured friends, including Myrna, her friend of over 80 years, and Las Vegas friends, “the two Carols”. She had many nieces and nephews whom she enjoyed hearing from and visiting with as time allowed.
Thel lived a full and richly blessed life until the end. Her family wishes to thank her family of “Earth Angels” at Welbrook for their loving care and devotion to her and her family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
