Thelma Haslam
October 19, 1920 ~ July 29, 2013
Thelma P. Haslam, 92, a Fairfax County, elementary school teacher for 32 years, passed away at Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook, PA on July 29, 2013. Thelma, and her husband John, were 50 year residents of Vienna, VA. Thelma was born in Madison, WV and received her college education at Marshall College in Huntington, WV and at the American University in Washington, D.C. She began teaching in a two room schoolhouse in the coal fields of southern West Virginia. She taught 6th grade at Vienna Elementary School for 17 years which was followed by 8 years teaching 5th grade at Springhill Elementary School in McLean, VA.
Her belief system was centered on letting each child in her class feel understood and appreciated for who they were as individuals. Thelma saw this as an opportunity to establish an atmosphere that would best facilitate learning. Through the years, she received many visitors who were former students and each visit was treasured. They sometimes visited her in their military uniform, or stopped by from their career on Wall Street. One former student mailed a copy to her of a college American History textbook that he had co-authored.
In retirement, Thelma was a volunteer for Traveler's Aid Society at Dulles Airport. She worked in that volunteer capacity for over 12 years and thoroughly enjoyed assisting the traveling public. She had a great many challenges and enjoyable experiences while volunteering for Traveler's Aid.
Thelma and John enjoyed traveling both domestically and abroad. They especially enjoyed visiting John's family in Italy as well as experiences with the elder hostel programs offered in the United Kingdom.
Thelma was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She opened her home to many nieces and nephews through the years which offered them an opportunity to work during summers before returning to college. She was a devoted member of the Vienna Presbyterian Church and spent many years involved in small group activities and worship within VPC. Thelma worked as a volunteer for CHO or Churches Helping Others. She was a friend to many, an excellent cook, and a determined lifelong learner. She was a devoted caregiver to her husband, John, during his ten year extended illness. She is survived by her daughter, Carla Herkner, her son-in-law, David Herkner, her granddaughter, Dana Goodwin Schuetter, and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Tel Hai Care Assurance Fund, PO Box 190, Honey Brook, PA 19344.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Her belief system was centered on letting each child in her class feel understood and appreciated for who they were as individuals. Thelma saw this as an opportunity to establish an atmosphere that would best facilitate learning. Through the years, she received many visitors who were former students and each visit was treasured. They sometimes visited her in their military uniform, or stopped by from their career on Wall Street. One former student mailed a copy to her of a college American History textbook that he had co-authored.
In retirement, Thelma was a volunteer for Traveler's Aid Society at Dulles Airport. She worked in that volunteer capacity for over 12 years and thoroughly enjoyed assisting the traveling public. She had a great many challenges and enjoyable experiences while volunteering for Traveler's Aid.
Thelma and John enjoyed traveling both domestically and abroad. They especially enjoyed visiting John's family in Italy as well as experiences with the elder hostel programs offered in the United Kingdom.
Thelma was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She opened her home to many nieces and nephews through the years which offered them an opportunity to work during summers before returning to college. She was a devoted member of the Vienna Presbyterian Church and spent many years involved in small group activities and worship within VPC. Thelma worked as a volunteer for CHO or Churches Helping Others. She was a friend to many, an excellent cook, and a determined lifelong learner. She was a devoted caregiver to her husband, John, during his ten year extended illness. She is survived by her daughter, Carla Herkner, her son-in-law, David Herkner, her granddaughter, Dana Goodwin Schuetter, and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Tel Hai Care Assurance Fund, PO Box 190, Honey Brook, PA 19344.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Carla, We are so sorry for your loss and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful for the wonderful friendship between the Haslam’s and the Holland’s. Love to all, Steve, Julie and Ellen
Not only was Thelma my adored 6th grade teacher at Vienna Elementary, but was then for decades more always among the welcoming faces at Vienna Presbyterian whenever I came home to visit. John and Thelma were beloved family friends to the Lukens, always thinking of ways to bring joy and cheer to others. Carla, what a wonderful mom and dad you had. I’m so glad she did not suffer long. Looking forward to seeing you in October! ~ Nancy
Not only was Thelma my adored 6th grade teacher at Vienna Elementary, but was then for decades more always among the welcoming faces at Vienna Presbyterian whenever I came home to visit. John and Thelma were beloved family friends to the Lukens, always thinking of ways to bring joy and cheer to others. Carla, what a wonderful mom and dad you had. I’m so glad she did not suffer long. Looking forward to seeing you in October! ~ Nancy
Carla, your mother and father were a source of constant inspiration, with their seemingly inexhaustible capacity for friendship and compassion for others.No matter where we were in the world, a care package from the Haslams was always a time of joy for the entire Blevins family. My mother was lucky to have met Thelma, because in so doing, she altered the course of all our lives for the better. What a truly wonderful person! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Even after 50 years, you remain the best babysitter Kim and I ever had!
We enjoyed knowing Thelma through Sunday School and Dine with Nine dinners at and through VPC. They are both missed. She was a delightful lady and we were sorry to see her leave the area. Rachel & Duane Wills
Mrs Haslam was a great advisor for safety patrol I was member of in 6th grade
Thelma was a second Mother to me. I was in the same class as Carla and I can not think of anyone who loved VPC & Vienna any more than John & Thelma Haslam. My mother, Marie Fink Boyd died in1987. My father, Robert Harold Boyd, 610 Cottage St. died in 1995