Thelma Pauline Bondos, age 100, entered into rest on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Griffin Hospital in Derby. She was lovingly devoted to her husband of 70 years, the late John A. Bondos. Thelma was born in Redhook, NY on May 9, 1926, daughter of the late Horace Leslie and Idelle (Beebe) Tomlinson.
Thelma earned an associates degree in Fashion Merchandising from the Junior College of Commerce, which is now Quinnipiac. She worked at a boutique in New Haven and always had a passion for fashion. After the birth of her daughter, Thelma became a full-time homemaker.
Thelma was known to be kind and compassionate and had a love for reading good novels. She loved nature and animals. In her younger years she enjoyed shopping and always had a reason to shop for Christmas gifts, even in July. Thelma recognized and appreciated the value of the simple things in life. She enjoyed Motown music, English Humour, and cherished the time she got to see Elvis Presley live in concert.
She will be remembered for her quiet strength and her devotion to her family, whom she truly cherished. She is the beloved mother of Leslie Bondos, Candee Sollami (Vinnie), and John Bondos Jr.. She always loved her visits from her cherished grandchildren, Angela Kubik (Nick), Joey Sollami, Nicole Goyette (Cody), Britney Bondos, and her great-grandson, Hudson Kubik.
Friends may greet the family at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth Street, Derby, on Thursday, from 5 to 7 PM. On Friday her funeral service will begin in the parlor at 11 AM. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory are encouraged to the CT Humane Society and “The John A. Bondos Award” through the Valley Community Foundation.