Thelma Metcalf

thelma metcalf

September 14, 1934 ~ September 7, 2020

Born in: Tacoma, Washington
Resided in: Fremont, California

Thelma was born in Tacoma, Washington on September 14, 1934 to Ransom and Frances Hayes. She had a brother born 10 years before her who died in infancy.  She grew up in Trinidad, Colorado where in junior high she met Harvey Metcalf and attended an 8th grade dance with him. They both went to Trinidad High School, but it wasn’t until Harvey was home on leave from the Navy and Thelma was home from college for summer break that they went on their next date. They married on July 24, 1955 and spent their honeymoon driving to California where Harvey was stationed with the Navy in Alameda.

Thelma graduated from Colorado State College of Education – Greeley, majoring in English and minoring in music. She also received her teaching credential there. Once she and Harvey settled in Alameda, she was primarily a homemaker, but also taught piano and worked as a substitute teacher. In 1960 Thelma and Harvey moved with their young family to Union City. Thelma was a stay-at-home mom until the 1970’s when she went to work for the city of Union City. She served as city clerk for 11 years there and then in Newark where she retired after another 11 years.

Thelma’s family, friends, and coworkers relied on her logical mind, superior organizational skills, and her mastery of written communication to proof term papers, write resumes and improve business writing skills. (One of her favorite work experiences was giving workshops on professional communications to Newark police and firefighters.) She was also a talented musician and served as pianist for her church, Hillview Baptist in Union City, for almost 50 years. It was there that she also taught Bible studies, directed vacation Bible school, started a clothes closet ministry and an ESL class, and served in many other ways. She was a member of BSF International and Toastmasters. Thelma enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Thelma was a wonderful wife to Harvey; mom to Cindy McIntyre (Larry), Scott Metcalf (Tricia), and Nancy Kerler (Bill); and grandma to Chris Metcalf (Sarah), Aimee Loomis (Justin), Kevin Metcalf (Brynne), Max McIntyre (Sarah), and Nicholas Kerler as well as great-grandma to Harper, Eloise, Atticus, Everly and two more on the way. She leaves us all with an assurance that we were loved and with memories that are sweet. However, her greatest legacy is she loved the Lord and with humble, patient grace shared that with us all.

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6

Thanks to our friends and the staff at Fremont Hills Assisted Living for your support. We will have an outdoor memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26 at Redeemer Church, 41354 Roberts Ave., Fremont. So that we can prepare for social distancing, please RSVP by email to Info@hbcunioncity.com or by phone to (510) 489-5440.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to BSFInternational.org or your favorite charity.

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My deep condolences to Thelma’s family on her passing. I had the opportunity to have known and worked with Thelma for many years at City Hall in Union City. She was a wonderfully kind and gentle soul. May she rest in peace.

  2. CandleMy heart is heavy hearing of sweet Thelma’s passing. I had the pleasure of getting to know her and dear Harvey working at Fremont Hills where I saw them everyday and really enjoyed seeing them together. Such a loving couple. Loved watching the sweet chuckles of Thelma when Harvey would tell jokes and stories to amuse us. One of the sweetest souls I will ever meet. Rest with the Angels dear, sweet Thelma. May GOD Bless each and everyone of you during this very difficult time of such a great loss🌹🙏🌹

  3. Thelma taught me a lot about the bible. She was very intelligent and good with people. I know what a caring family she had. Harvey picked the right girl when he married her.

    Thinking of you, Harvey.

    Barbara Turner

  4. CandleThelma had a big impact on our lives. She was the best Sunday School Director we ever had the privilege to serve with when I was Pastor of Hillview Baptist Church 1985-1990. Yvette and I loved her smile, her kind heart, her amazing organizational abilities, and her compassion for all people no matter where they were in their lives. She will be missed greatly! Because of her Christian faith, we know that this isn’t really Good-bye but “So long, we’ll see you in heaven, Thelma.” Our love goes out to Harvey and the rest of the family.

    We love you all,

    Mark & Yvette Rindels

  5. CandleThelma was the Newark City Clerk when I was a Police Lieutenant and Captain. We worked together on many projects, including her providing instruction on business writing for our officers. Thelma was always so kind and patient in all of our interactions. She was so appreciated for this, and her high level of competency in all she did. Thelma is one of those people who make “going to work” a pleasure, knowing she was on your team. God bless this wonderful woman and her family…
    Highest Regards,
    Cliff Nannini
    Captain
    Newark Police Department (Ret)

  6. Hello, to Thelma’s family: I recently was informed of her passing and was terribly saddened to hear. Often Thelma would advise me on career decisions and was a great coach when I was preparing for interviews.
    I want to thank Harvey for allowing me to travel with them to attend City Clerk conferences when held in Santa Barbara or Monterey. Thelma and Harvey would share stories from their past as we traveled. I admired their love for one another during these road trips. They were a treat to travel along with them. May God continue to bless Harvey in these difficult times. God bless you all. Angelina Reyes retired city clerk


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