Thelma Dekum passed away at the age of 89 at Hospice in Monterey on Monday. She attended Salinas High School and Salinas Junior College (now Hartnell). After college she was an executive secretary at McCarthy’s Insurance Co. in Salinas and after her marriage to Robert Dekum, she worked for the Monterey County Public Works Department until her retirement. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, Catholic Daughters of America and Beta Sigma Phi.
Thelma moved from Salinas to Hollister in 1986. She enjoyed gardening, antiquing and keeping up with local and national news and sports events, especially tennis. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert, son Bob and sister, Kathleen Minhoto. She is survived by her sister, Marie Rosati of Hollister, brother Ernest Avelar (Lou) of Scotts Valley and several nieces and nephews. A private service was held on Wednesday at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Salinas. Donations are preferred to your favorite charity. Condolences may be sent to www.grunnagle.com
