Helen Core Thomas
Cheshire- Helen Core Thomas of 150 Cook Hill Rd., wife of the late Alfred M. Thomas, who predeceased her on April 6, 2005, passed away April 25, 2005 in Mid State Medical Center. She was born in Harrisburg, PA a daughter of the late John and Besse Keever Core. She graduated from the William Penn H.S. class of 1937, Mount Holyoke College in 1941 and received her MA from the University of PA in 1943. Mrs. Thomas taught English and social studies at the high school level in Stockbridge, MA and later was a substitute teacher in the Shelton School System. She resided in Shelton from 1949-93, while in Shelton she was a member of the Shelton United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, a co-founder of A.C.T., ''Area Congregations Together'' and the CT Conference of the United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Huntington Historical Society, the Mount Holyoke Alumni Assoc., and a 60 year member of the Girl Scouts where she served on the state council. Upon moving to Cheshire in 1993 she became a member of the Cheshire United Methodist Church. She is survived by her adopted daughters, Linda Baldelli of Derby, Elizabeth Thomas of Bridgeport, 3 grandchildren; Debi Lutinski, Marc Baldelli, Kamila Barrow. Predeceased by a brother, John Core and a grandson, David Baldelli. Funeral service Thurs., April 28 at 11 a.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Friends may call prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. Interment in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Memorial service at Elim Park will be held at date to be announced. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Cheshire United Methodist Church, 205 Academy Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410.
Bessie’s brother Charles Hilbert Keever was my grandfather. Our collection of old family photos includes one of a young girl in a garden sitting at a child’s table and chair and .having tea.. My mother knew only that the girl was a cousin in the Keever family of Middletown, PA. The photo appears to date to the 1910s or 1920s and can only be one of Bessie’s daughters, either Helen or Dorothy. We would love to know which and perhaps pass the original photo on to a child or grandchild. Loretta (Lynn) Layman at Lynneage@comcast.net