Obituary of Thelma R. Phearsdorf

Thelma R. "Sookie" Phearsdorf Olean, NY Thelma R. "Sookie" VanCuren Phearsdorf, of 115 E. Connell St. passed away Thursday (June 11, 2015) at the Absolut of Allegany. Born at home on November 19, 1934 in Olean she was the daughter of James and Anna Myers VanCuren. On June 12, 1954 in Cuba she married Ronald A. Phearsdorf who survives. Mrs. Phearsdorf was a lifelong resident of Olean and graduated from Olean High School in 1953. She began work at Kresge Department Stores where she worked at both locations on N. Union St. She later worked as a school bus monitor for Laidlaw and TNT bus companies. She also worked for the Board of Elections in Olean and was a former volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program. She enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, playing bingo all over this area and treasured the many friends she met while playing. A special wish of hers was fulfilled when she traveled twice to Hawaii and was able to see Don Ho perform. Surviving besides her husband are 4 daughters Deborah Phearsdorf, Cathy (Jeff) Miller, Sherry Lawton and Lisa (Steve Bushnell) Phearsdorf, all of Olean; a son Terry (Sherri) Phearsdorf of Olean; 1 granddaughter Ariale (Jason) Miller of Allegany; 1 grandson Brandon Phearsdorf of Tampa Bay, FL and several of her extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents; a brother James VanCuren, Jr.; a great-grandson Kolby Phearsdorf and a dear sister-in-law Bertha Hopkins VanCuren. At Mrs. Phearsdorf's request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.