Thelma B. Edelstein, died August 7, 2015 peacefully in her own home. She was a beloved mother and grandmother, teacher and counselor, and was 90 years old. Beloved wife of the late Bernard A. Edelstein; dear mother and mother-in-law of Ruth (Chuck Bourdon) Edelstein and Sylvia M. (Ken Simpson) Nissenboim; dear grandmother of Rudi (Tiffany), Josh (Helen Rice) and Elan (Norman Aynbinder) Nissenboim and Andrew and Alana Kopke; dear sister of the late Ben (the late Bernice) Barsel; dear sister-in-law of the late Mildred (the late Fred) Messenger, the late Lily (the late Herman) Zimring and the late Harry (the late Yetta) Edelstein; our dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend. Trained as a social worker and a high school teacher, Thelma spent over twenty years as a beloved secondary school teacher whose coursework included American history, psychology and sociology as well as journalism. In her later years she facilitated groups of cancer survivors as well as counseling those who were grieving. After her retirement, she continued to teach both Yiddish to other adults and reading to underprivileged children. She was an avid student herself of politics, current events and history. She remained active until her death. She was a lover of symphony, opera, and theatre as well  as public television. She was admired for her wisdom, her wit and relentless sense of humor. She was an advocate for people who were disenfranchised, poor and marginalized. She was a profoundly loving and intelligent woman who had life long friendship. She was a political activist who contributed to Democratic Party politics, voter registration drives and a variety of liberal minded causes. Funeral service Sunday, August 9^th, 11 AM at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman Avenue. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m. at Central Reform Congregation. Private interment. Contributions to Doctors without Borders, the NCJW’s Wife Widow Women Support Group or PBS Channel 9. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial