Thelma Turner, a well-known member of the Appleby community, has died aged 88.
Thelma was born on 21st June, 1936, in Appleby, the younger daughter of James and Evelyn Schofield.
James was a respected cattle exporter from Appleby and also a well-known judge at the country’s agricultural shows.
Thelma attended St Lawrence Church School in the town, and later Kirkby Stephen Grammar School where she developed her love of sports, becoming the house games captain.
Among other pursuits she played tennis, hockey and badminton, and she was a very talented golfer, going on to become club champion at Appleby Golf Club. She was also ladies’ captain in 1963 and 1973, and was ladies’ club champion in 1974, 75 and 76. She represented the county at golf, and in the 1980s had the distinction of being ladies’ captain and secretary at county level. She also became county ladies’ champion.
Another of her favourite sports was badminton, which she played and coached for many years. Her achievements were numerous, including becoming county champion in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
In 1968 she became a qualified badminton coach, going on to teach generations of youngsters at Appleby School (now Appleby Hub).
She was also a founder member of Appleby Ladies’ Circle and was involved in many charitable endeavours supporting the community, including via St Lawrence’s Church.
She was keen to support international projects through the Red Cross, and was often seen fundraising around the village with collection boxes in hand.
Thelma was a proud Christian and supported St Lawrence’s Church throughout her life. Delivering the parish magazine, organising flowers for the church, and cleaning and dusting it were among the many duties she was happy to be involved
in.
She is remembered by her family as someone who dedicated her life to caring for her parents and supporting her local community.
She married her husband, Peter, in 1959. He was from Preston and they were happily married until he died in 2005.
The couple especially enjoyed holidays together, including cruises, and they liked to holiday in America where they had relatives.
Thelma was a member of Appleby Historical Society and was a keen advocate and spokesperson for the area’s local history.
She lived her entire life in Appleby, until her final years when she moved to the Henry Lonsdale Trust Rosehill Care Home in Carlisle, where she was cared for with dignity after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and then vascular dementia.
Niece Carol remembers her aunt most of all as “a very kind, caring person, who always saw the best in people”.
She said: “She was very family and community oriented. She loved her life in Appleby, and being part of such a warm community. Appleby was the centre of her universe.”
Thelma leaves her loving family, including niece Carol and three nephews.
She died peacefully on 22nd August at the Henry Lonsdale Trust care home. A funeral service was held at St Lawrence’s Church, Appleby on 3rd September at 11am followed by interment at Appleby cemetery.
