Thelma Irene Maitland, of Santa Barbara, CA, passed away on the morning of Thursday, August 15, 2024, in Baton Rouge, LA. Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on September 10, 1941, Thelma shared her birthday with her twin sister, Alice Dondero.

From an early age, Thelma was known for her spirited and adventurous nature, often returning from school with torn clothes and a mischievous smile. Her adventurous spirit continued when she moved west to California in 1974 after the birth of her four children. Her professional journey was as diverse as her interests. During a challenging economic period, she ventured into real estate but soon shifted her focus to nursing. Earning a Psychiatric Technician degree, she dedicated herself to psychiatric care at Camarillo State Hospital before transitioning to child care. In Santa Barbara, she established “The Kangaroo Pouch,” followed by additional facilities serving Santa Barbara County employees. Eventually, she became an outpatient caseworker for the county, fondly known as TK.

Retirement did not slow her down. Thelma embraced new adventures with the same enthusiasm she applied to her careers. She managed an Independent Senior Living facility, threw unforgettable Halloween parties, completed a marathon in Ireland, traversed the country by train with her best friend, and taught seniors to navigate the digital age. Her zest for life also included volunteering as a lifeguard, adopting beloved dogs, dancing fiercely at country concerts and parades, and making countless friends.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Alberta Clark, and her brothers, Frederick “Mickey” and William “Billy” Clark. She is survived by her twin sister, Alice “Tiny” Dondero; her daughter, Kimberly Kelly; her sons, Brian (Francesca) Kelly, Kevin (Chris) Kelly, and Paul Kelly (Stephanie) and her cherished  grandchildren, Sarah, Brenna, Meredith, Kara, Patrick, Grace, Kenzel, Jessica, Joshua and Veronica.  Thelma’s legacy lives on through the countless friends and family she touched throughout her life.

Thelma’s family invites you to honor her memory by supporting your local animal shelter and adopting a pet in need of a loving home—an act that would surely bring a smile to her face.

A burial and private ceremony will take place at Assumption Cemetery in Simi Valley, Ca. on September 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

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