Thelma Irene Duda, 95, of Lititz, passed away at Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Born in South Greensburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late William Kenneth and Esther Nellie (Dean) Boggs.

She left high school in 11th grade during the depression to help her family, and worked in an airplane factory during WWII making airplane parts. Thelma married her husband Frederick J. Duda and they lived in Buffalo, NY. Thelma gave birth to their son Dan, she became a crossing guard, took the police exam, and became the first policewoman in the City of Buffalo. Ultimately, Thelma became a deputy sheriff for Erie County. She also volunteered for a dog rescue organization in Buffalo.

Thelma and Fred enjoyed 33 years of marriage before his death in 1978. Moving to Lititz to be close to her son and family, Thelma attended Horizon Senior Center at Lititz U.M. Church. She was a very spunky lady, who allowed nothing to stop her. Thelma always had a smile on her face, she had a great demeanor with people, she offered a helping hand to many, was well liked, and she was the recipient of many cards during special events in her life. Roses were her favorite flowers.

Surviving Thelma are her son Daniel F. Duda, Sr., husband of Nada M. (Matulich) of Lititz; two grandsons, Daniel F. Duda, Jr. of Lititz, and David M. Duda of Royersford; four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Sierra, Ainsley, and Jonathan Duda; two sisters, Jane Eleanor Johnson of California, and Delores June "Dolly" Kalko of Detroit; as well as her dog Buster. In addition to her husband Fred, Thelma was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Jean Lindsey, and Gladys Mae Welch.

A viewing will take place from 1 to 2 PM, followed by the funeral at 2 PM with The Rev. Gerard M. McGrath officiating, on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at the Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 127 S. Broad St, Lititz, PA 17543. Interment in Brunnerville U.M. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution to Pennsylvania SPCA Lancaster Center, 848 S. Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603 https://www.pspca.org/donate