Thelma V. Bortzer Dauson, 87, of Kinter Hill Road, Washington Township passed away October 15th, 2011 surrounded by her loving family and friends and into the arms of her Lord. She was born October 27, 1923 in Meadville, PA to the late Harold Bortzer, Sr. and Pearl Shingeldecker Crisman Bortzer.
“God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you and whispered ????ome with me.???? With tearful eyes we watched and saw you pass away. Although we love you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the BEST.” ~author unknown~
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, John Jay Dauson, Sr. who passed away February 12, 1997; an infant son, Donald Erving Dauson; two sisters: Annis Mulchin, Grace Stilling; and nine brothers: John, Merrel, and Bruce Crisman, and Lloyd, William, Ronald, Merrel, Harold Jr. and Wayne Bortzer.
Thelma was a very dedicated Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister and Aunt. Her greatest treasure and accomplishment was her family. Her most precious memories include when family and friends would gather for whatever the occasion, like celebrating her 85th birthday.
She was a member of the Washington Valley Christian Church.
Thelma worked very hard as a presser for over 55 years at various dry cleaners including Cargo, Dawn, Lee Mars, Sansone?????s, Franks, and West Lake. She also worked at Talon in Meadville and on the family farm, retiring at age 72.
Survivors include– one daughter: Thelmarie Dauson-Winkelbauer (David), four sons: John Jr, Thomas (Judy), and Robert Dauson ???? all of Kinter Hill and Ronald Dauson (Linda) of Amhurst, New York; one sister: Sandra Singleton, and a sister-in-law Mae Crisman of Titusville. Her grandchildren: Troy (Tammy) Soltis, Tracy Soltis-Richards (Jeff), Leigh Anne Lockhart, Sheilah Dauson-Winkelman (Brian), Rick Dauson (Dea), Tammie Van Holland (Ted), Thomas Dauson II (Kristin), Sam Glossner, Leigh Amber Daniels (Ryan), Lindsay Dauson, Norbert Winkelbauer (Kimmy), Jim Winkelbauer (Susan), Frank Winkelbauer (Lorene); her great-grandchildren: Jessica and Andrew Soltis, Ryan and Lauren Richards, Becca, Emma, and Brianna Winkelman, Derrick and Cole Dauson, Jack Van Holland, Codye, Mavrick, Britton & Baylon Dauson, Adam & Logan Daniels, John, Michelle, Joseph, Christine and Grant Winkelbauer, and Joanna (Matt) Silka; and her great-great grandchild: Matthew Silka.
Family members that have been especially close and attentive include Joyce, Bob, and Lori Lockhart, Bob Lewis, Pam Hime, Dan and Richard Soltis, Wendy Smith, Richard and Karen Crisman, Jim, Walt (Sandra), Bill (Linda), and Nick (Debra) Mulchin, Marie Rohlander, Mary Jane Kaufman, Merrel and Lloyd (Joanna) Crisman, Beverly Crisman-Taylor (Bob), Bill (Betty), Bob, and Jim (Bonnie) Crisman.
The following friends have also been a special blessing to our Mother: Pastor Duane and Pam Pinney who are such a loving and dedicated family for the whole community– no matter what their own crisis may be, they always find time to soothe others during their trying times. Florence Murray for her friendship of 60 years, Ann Rae, Don and Marie Faub who were very attentive, Joe and Mary Ann Wiater, Tina Petrilli (her favorite stylist), Kelly, Amber, and Gary West, Joe and Sandy Garihan, Phyllis Huntt, Martha Carr, Jenny Wright, Louella Falconer, Homer and Prudence Kerr, Judy Hall-Peters, and Eddie and Betty Yurcak. Our heartfelt thanks go to all of them.
A special recognition to her great-grandchildren, Jessie and Andrew Soltis who were always there to take her to church, play checkers, take walks, and make macaroni and cheese.
Special thanks to Dr. Streiff and his staff, the pharmacy staff at Edinboro Giant Eagle, Home Health Care and Hospice nurses, the ACL Edinboro staff, and St. Vincent?????s 4th floor ICU nurses and doctors for their compassion and care.
Thelma left behind a legacy of kindness, love, and warmth to all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Friends and family may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Thursday from 3 to 6 PM. A brief service will take place at 6 PM, followed by gathering and fellowship at Washington Valley Christian Church.
Donations may be made to Washington Valley Christian Church, 1771 Conneauttee Road, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403.
Cousins,
Love and Prayers are sent your way, your writing was so beautifully done, I can’t believe how much she looked like Gramma Pearl. You are all blessed to have such love and support with each other and that will carry you thru,( something I wish we all had).
So many memories each of us have from when we’d visit the farm growing up, my mind was just rushed with a few of them, and brought a smile. Life is a journey and how we live that journey is up to each of us, God is good!
Love, Kathy Crisman-Warner
cousin
Dear Family,
Joanne and I will miss visiting with Aunt Thelma when we are home from South Carolina. We enjoy the time we can spend with the family. Our love and prayers are with everyone. We believe she is in heaven with our son (Rodney). We look forward to seeing her and all those we love again.
Love, Lloyd & Joanne Crisman
Hi my Kissin Cousin (Sis of course) , John, Tom, & Ronnie . My heart goes out to all you guys during Aunt Thelmas passing . Time of mourning is comforted by knowing she is in Gods hands now & not suffering . Having to let go of our Moms hand is hard at the time , but not wanting to see her suffering is best . I know when my Mom lay on that hospital bed in coma effect I told her how much my life as her son meant & thanked her for her love & protection . That last kiss on her cheek that day will stay with me forever . I loved Aunt Thelma , & even when she’d take time to chew me out for something , I could still love her . Your Mom & Dad will leave fond memories in my heart & mind .I hope to be able to come to the farm again for a visit . God bless, Cousin Ken