Thelma Northart

Thelma H. Northart passed from this life on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, where she had been a resident for two years.

Thelma, aged 93, was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. Over the years, she also lived in Schenectady, New York; in Freehold, New Jersey; near San Antonio Texas; in Cincinnati, Ohio; and in both Little Chute and Appleton, Wisconsin, wanting to be near to her children and grandchildren as they moved around the country.

She spent almost 30 years as the principal's secretary at the former Burlington Road School (now Joseph J. Catena School) in Freehold, NJ, a job that she truly enjoyed because she loved children. Thelma earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Georgian Court College in Lakewood, NJ, and worked as a tax preparer.

She was a wonderful seamstress and cook. She made gorgeous clothing, including wedding and formal gowns. She loved to do fabric crafting. She sewed, knitted, and machine embroidered lovely items and sold her work at many local craft fairs. Thelma loved animals and willingly helped those in need. Her home was filled with many dogs and cats over the years, all of whom were beloved members of the family.

Thelma was hardworking and honest. She dealt with difficult things in her life and kept going with strength and determination. She was generous, with a fun sense of humor and a brave soul. Dementia took much of her memory in her last few years, but she always retained her spirited personality and said exactly what was on her mind.

Thelma was married to the late Leo J. Northart, Jr., whom she met while attending John Marshall High School in Richmond. She is survived by son Leo Joseph Northart, III, and his wife, Mary, of Leonardo, NJ, by daughter Pamela Saulnier and her husband, Greg, of Appleton, WI, and by three grandchildren: Samantha Northart (New York, NY), Arielle Saulnier (Madison, WI) and Alex Saulnier (Milwaukee, WI). She was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Burton Harvey, and her brother, the Reverend James Miller Harvey.

Cremation will take place at Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton, with interment at Maplewood Cemetery in Freehold, NJ, and a celebration of Thelma’s life to be held in spring, 2023.

The family wants to thank the wonderful staff at St. Paul Elder Services for the loving care and kindness they gave Thelma. Memorial donations can be made in Thelma’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Save the Children, or your local animal shelter.