Obituaries

Thelma Irene Duda, 95

February 7, 1927 - March 22, 2022

Thelma Irene Duda, 95, of Lititz, passed away at Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Born in South Greensburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late William Kenneth and Esther Nellie (Dean) Boggs.

She left high school in 11th grade during the depression to help her family, and worked in an airplane factory during WWII making airplane parts. Thelma married her husband Frederick J. Duda and they lived in Buffalo, NY. Thelma gave birth to their son Dan, she became a crossing guard, took the police exam, and became the first policewoman in the City of Buffalo. Ultimately, Thelma became a deputy sheriff for Erie County. She also volunteered for a dog rescue organization in Buffalo.

Thelma and Fred enjoyed 33 years of marriage before his death in 1978. Moving to Lititz to be close to her son and family, Thelma attended Horizon Senior Center at Lititz U.M. Church. She was a very spunky lady, who allowed nothing to stop her. Thelma always had a smile on her face, she had a great demeanor with people, she offered a helping hand to many, was well liked, and she was the recipient of many cards during special events in her life. Roses were her favorite flowers.

Surviving Thelma are her son Daniel F. Duda, Sr., husband of Nada M. (Matulich) of Lititz; two grandsons, Daniel F. Duda, Jr. of Lititz, and David M. Duda of Royersford; four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Sierra, Ainsley, and Jonathan Duda; two sisters, Jane Eleanor Johnson of California, and Delores June “Dolly” Kalko of Detroit; as well as her dog Buster. In addition to her husband Fred, Thelma was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Jean Lindsey, and Gladys Mae Welch.

A viewing will take place from 1 to 2 PM, followed by the funeral at 2 PM with The Rev. Gerard M. McGrath officiating, on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at the Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 127 S. Broad St, Lititz, PA 17543. Interment in Brunnerville U.M. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution to Pennsylvania SPCA Lancaster Center, 848 S. Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603 https://www.pspca.org/donate

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Condolences to the Family

March 27, 2022

Condolences to Dan and Nada, and to the rest of the family! From Carol, and Mike Eshleman

March 25, 2022

Going to miss you Aunt Thelma! I’ll always remember our trips down to Police Headquarters and you always supplying me with my Favorite Fruit Slice Candies! RIP ❤️😘

March 24, 2022

Aunt Thelma always was my favorite Aunt out of 5 Ive been blessed to have. Always cheetful and full of stories. She made a big impact on me as a kid growing up as a strong independent woman with a lot to contribute to everyone she touched. I only met Buster once but i now have two small pomeranians cause when i was small I loved her dog “Cricket” a pomeranian. Danny and Nada my heart goes out to you… you were everything to her and poured your time and energy into her making her last few years and life so enjoyable for her. Thank you for setting such a great example…. many wonderful memories we all have and she will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. Love cuz Kennice Kallabat

March 23, 2022

My sincerest condolences to Dan, and his family on their loss. We had the pleasure of meeting Thelma, and Buster, through her son Dan. She was an extrodinary lady with many accomplishments in her lifetime. She will be greatly missed. She will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Barry & Deb

March 23, 2022

We express our sincere condolences to the family of Thelma Duda. You are all on our minds & in our hearts at this time. Thelma was a lovely sister & aunt.

Visitation: Thursday, March 31, 2022; 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM; Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home & Crematory; 127 South Broad Street; Lititz, PA 17543
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Services: Thursday, March 31, 2022; 2:00 PM; Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home & Crematory; 127 South Broad Street; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >