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Thelma Helen Kallapos Shays Whitley, age 99, passed away August 1, 2021, at her home in Vero Beach, Florida.
She was born December 24, 1921 in Trenton, New Jersey to John A. and Helen Kallapos. She graduated from Hamilton High School, Trenton, New Jersey, in 1940. After graduation, Thelma worked as a secretary on Wall Street in New York City. She married Philip R. Shays on June 17, 1946, and they resided in Princeton, New Jersey until moving to Stuart, Florida in 1979.
While living in Princeton, Thelma was a member of the Springdale Golf Club, the Princeton Garden Club, The Present Day Club, and the Garden Club of New Jersey, for which she proudly served two terms as President. She worked part-time as an administrative assistant at the Princeton Theological Seminary, and also in the same capacity at Princeton University.
She was widowed in 1985, and eventually met and married James C. Whitley. In 1989, they moved to Vero Beach, where they enjoyed many cultural events together.
Thelma was a gifted artist and an avid flower gardener. She had a lifelong love of dogs and horses.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen Kallapos; her husband, Philip R. Shays; her second husband, James C. Whitley; and her brother, John “Jack” Kallapos.
She is survived by her son, Jeffrey J. Shays (Cindi) of Sebastian, Florida; daughter, Kathleen S. Fouché (Kyle) of Vero Beach, Florida; two grandsons, Daniel W. Shays of Lakewood, Colorado; and Sam P. Shays of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; and two nephews, John Kallapos, of Washington’s Crossing, Pennsylvania; and Keith Kallapos, of Stuart, Virginnia.
As Thelma directed, no services are planned. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.
Memorial contributions may be made in Thelma’s name to The Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County, 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32967.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
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