Thelma Ann (Gellman) Sacks

Thelma Ann Sacks (nee Gellman), 85, loving wife of Allen J. Sacks, and beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, civil servant, and volunteer, passed away on February 27, 2020.

Thelma, most recently of Sarasota, FL, and formerly of Annapolis, MD, Bowie, MD, and Falls Church, VA, received the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal after 35 years as a civilian secretary for the US Department of Defense (Army) at the Pentagon. The medal was presented by William Clark, Assistant Secretary of the Army. Later, she worked as an administrative assistant for the State of Maryland in the Governor’s Appointments Office under Governor Paris Glendenning.

Thelma loved to travel with her husband Allen, which took them all over the world. Her favorite destinations included Russia, Alaska, Israel and Greece. She especially loved to include a grandchild in her travels and took them each individually on a special journey over the years, creating many fond memories.

Thelma was an accomplished volunteer and active member of her communities throughout her life. In the 1950’s, she was a Red Cross hospital volunteer with the Gray Lady Corps at Bolling Air Force Base. While working and raising her family in the 1960’s and ‘70’s, she was a member of the Bowie, MD Professional Women’s (BPW) Club. Later, while living in Florida, she worked as an usher at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and as a reading tutor at Tuttle Elementary School in Sarasota. She also enjoyed participating in water aerobics, which she did each week for over 30 years.

Thelma’s greatest pride and joy was always her family. She loved nothing more than gathering the family together, or talking to her grandchildren and reveling in each of their successes. She also loved reading, playing Bingo at the clubhouse with her neighbors at Casa Del Sol in Sarasota, and especially playing Scrabble every evening with her beloved “Allen Dear.”

Thelma is survived by her husband of almost 63 years, Allen J. Sacks; her children Deborah (David) Cook, Michael (Susan) Sacks, and Karen (Stephen) Gindes; her grandchildren Corinne (Allen) Bingham, Sarah (Jonathan) Bergkamp, Allison (Jason) Roland, Holly Gindes (Corey Downing), Robert (Anna) Gindes, Phillip Sacks, and Amy Sacks; her great-grandchildren Mackenzie Roland, David Bingham, Asher Bergkamp, Otto Gindes, and Ellis Bergkamp; her sister Sally F. Margolis, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Fund.