Granby Obituary: Thelma Shenkman, 89

Thelma R. Shenkman (Resnick) of Granby passed away on Friday, June 2, 2017.

"Temmy " was born to Philip and Diana Resnick in Portland, Maine on Dec. 16, 1927. Growing up in the Munjoy Hill area with her brother, Bernie and sister, Anne, she graduated from Gorham State Teachers College (now USM). After graduation, she taught elementary grades in Conn. for 12 years.

A Founding Member of the Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation (FVJC), she established and served as Principal of the Religious School for 33 years, Director of the Nursery School for 27 years and Volunteer Librarian for 41 years. In honor of her many years of selfless service, the FVJC library was renamed Thelma R. Shenkman Library.

She earned her Reform Jewish Educator (RJE) degree from the National Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education. In addition, Temmy ran the JNF Tree Program, led the Social Action Committee, and was in charge of the Soup Kitchen program.

For her entire life, she served her community by participating on multiple boards and volunteering at local schools and libraries and the visiting nursing association. In fact, while volunteering at Cossitt Library Events she became known as the "Sand Dollar Lady", decorating and distributing the shells she picked up every summer walking along the beach at Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Besides loving Maine, she especially enjoyed being a grandma, making photo collages, UConn women's basketball, lobster rolls, anything Jewish, everything chocolate, and the color purple.

Thelma was the loving mother of Len Shenkman and his wife, Shari, of Simsbury; beloved grandmother of her two grandchildren, Phillip and Rachel Shenkman; caring aunt of Elsa Glassman (Albuquerque, NM), Karin Glassman (Lexington, KY), Jack Glassman and Cris Cavatio (Charlestown, MA), Jan and Steve Carelli (Windham, NH), Kari, George, Diana, and Zach Taylor (San Diego, CA). She also was a close friend to Martha Aponovotch, the Kilby clan, the Weinbergs, and so many others. In addition, Philip Warnke and Madeleine McCauley are greatly appreciated for allowing her the opportunity to maintain her independence.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on (Monday, June 5) in the Sanctuary of the Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation, 55 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, with Rabbi Bekah officiating. There will be a reception at the temple immediately following service. The Shenkman's will be sitting shiva welcoming friends and family on both Mon and Tues evenings at Len's home beginning at 5pm followed by a short minyan service at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the TRS Library at FVJC in Simsbury. The Frederick Cossitt Library's Children's Collection in North Granby, Susan Komen Cancer Research, or the American Diabetes Association.

To sign the guest book for Thelma, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.