Thelma Green Sickles

Thelma Green Sickles, 98, of Maplewood died May 4, 2011, at home. Born in New York City, she lived in Maplewood for 61 years.

Mrs. Sickles served as an administrative assistant for the South Orange-Maplewood School District from age 50 to 80. She worked as the assistant to the principal at Jefferson, Montrose, Tuscan and Seth Boyden elementary schools. After graduating from a business program, she also had worked as a buyer for Macy’s department store in New York City.

She was a joint recipient with her husband, Gus, of the Maple Leaf Award in 1997 from the Township of Maplewood in recognition of outstanding contributions to the community. She was a trustee of the South Orange-Maplewood Adult School for more than 40 years, and the school’s Lifelong Learning Award is annually presented in honor of the couple. She served as a longtime member of the League of Women Voters, was president of the Tuscan Elementary School PTA, and an active member of Friends of the Maplewood Library, the Maplewood Garden Club, the Women’s Club, and the Audubon Society. She was active in the Girl Scouts as well as a troop leader. She was a knitter who contributed hundreds of hats, scarves, mittens, and afghans to charitable organizations.

Predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Gus, in 2003, she is survived by her son, Peter Green Sickles of South Orange; two daughters, Ellen Sickles James of California and Sarah Jane Nishioka of Washington state; and eight grandchildren.

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Services were held May 6 with arrangements by Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union. Memorial contributions may be made to the South Orange-Maplewood Adult School, Maplewood.