In Memoriam: Thelma Evelyn Champion, 1942-2022

Ms. Champion worked for the Andover Company for 36 years.

Thelma Evelyn Champion, 96, passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at the Warren Center, Queensbury, NY. She was born on July 13, 1924 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and was the daughter of Francis Leroy and Ethel Bardsley Champion.

After graduating from Johnson High School in 1942 in North Andover, Mass., Thelma started her career at Arlington Mills in Lawrence. After 10 years, she continued her career for the Massachusetts Insurance Company which later became The Andover Company, where she retired after 36 years.

Thelma was a natural athlete and had great passion and natural ability for golf and bowling. She was a member of the Andover Country Club for 45 years and was club golf champion 8 times between 1985 and 1995. She was also a top-ranked bowler in the Merrimack Valley bowling league. Thelma was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and never missed an opportunity to watch her Sox.

Thelma always had a smile on her face and had a great sense of humor; even in her last days she was joking with the Warren Center staff. Thelma was a fun-loving, funny, incredible Aunty to her nieces and nephews and a great sister to Elaine.

Thelma was a member of the United Methodist Church of North Andover, MA since her birth in 1934. She was a talented cook and painter, always cooking special meals and delivering them to family members. She painted wonderful crafts made by her sister and brother-in-law, Elaine Champion Magowan and William B. Magowan.

Thelma was predeceased by her sister, Elaine (Champion) Magowan, and brothers, Ralph Champion and Bernard Champion. Local survivors include nephews and nieces, Brad Magowan, Amy (Magowan)Martin, Paul Magowan, Beth (Magowan) Schermerhorn and their families. Other nieces and nephews include: Linda Smith, Beverly Palermo, Raymond Champion, Judy Kiblinger, Jackie Brickle, Ralph Champion and their families.

A private memorial service for Thelma will take place at the Ridgewood Cemetery in North Andover at the family’s discretion.

Condolences can be made on Ms. Champion’s Tribute Wall here: www.sbfuneralhome.com

Source: Scott & Barbieri Family Funeral Homes