The two best words to describe Thelma are Family and Faith.

Thelma was the fifth daughter of Achille and Ernestine Brais. Sister to Georgette, Gertrude, Jaqueline, Annette, and Lorraine. The family support and love they shared gave rise to many fond memories of childhood, marriage, raising children, laughing, singing and soooo many family get-togethers!!!

Thelma found the love of her life in her early teens. That handsome George La Rose!! Tillie and Mousey raised six children; Geraldine (Gerri), Christine (Tina), Dianne, Patricia (Pat), Linda and John. Needless to say, her hands were full. From braiding all the girls’ hair before school, to bandaging John’s numerous injuries, and making sure the Saturday chores were done, Thelma was busy.

The family grew with the addition of the in-laws, Larry, Dennis, Tom, Cathy and the latest one, Carlos. You all held a special place in Thelma’s heart.

Later, Thelma and George welcomed seven grandchildren, Jason, Jill, Jeremy (wife Allison), Rebecca, Brittany (husband Will), Elizabeth (husband Danny), and William as well as seven great-grandchildren, Jenna, Jared, Taylor, Felix, Ingrid, and Westley-- and one to be named at a future date. All of whom kept her smiling and sometimes wondering over the years (you know who you are).

Thelma enjoyed the family outings to the beach (preparing two full meals), ice skating and the thermos of hot chocolate, trips to Lake Winnipesaukee, the big one to London and Paris, and Gerri will never forget the adventure or, misadventure, to Lake Havasu with her parents.

Thelma had many talents. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, she enjoyed her time in the church choir. She also enjoyed watercolor painting and bowling. She was a skilled Yahtzee player and she made great macaroni and meatloaf too!

Thelma was a lifelong parishioner at St. John the Baptist Parish in Pawtucket. She attended school there, graduating in 1947. She was active in all church functions, member of the Womens Guild and the church choir.

Thelma had Faith, faith in God, faith in her husband and faith in her family. This faith carried her through her life. Even in her final days, as the priest prayed with her, Thelma followed him in The Lord's Prayer and Hail Mary.

Thelma was not a woman of many words, but her children will always have the memory of her laughter and her song.

(PS, we are all her favorite)

Relatives and friends are kindly are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, January 26th from 9:00 – 10:15a.m. at Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave., Lincoln, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, 69 Quincy Ave., Pawtucket. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. John the Baptist Church, 69 Quincy Ave., Pawtucket, R.I. 02860.