Thelma Edith Giampietri

“Forever in the Garden of Heaven” Giampietri, Thelma Edith (Klassen) (age 79) entered into rest on July 11, 2009. She was born on March 15, 1930 in Newton, Kansas to parents Dave and Irene Klassen. The family moved to Spokane shortly after Thelma was born. Thelma attended Arlington Grade School and graduated from Rogers High School in 1947. She married John C. Giampietri on October 14, 1950, sharing 59 wonderful years together. They were blessed with three wonderful children, Kathy, John, and Karen. Living in the same house since they married, Thelma’s life was centered around her family and her home. Thelma worked at the Crescent for a few years as a seamstress, but her best and most important work was as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Thelma was always there for her children. She sewed all of the children’s clothing, wedding dresses for her girls, and even made her own wedding dress. Thelma was very artistic and talented whether she was sewing, working in her beautiful flower gardens, or painting. Thelma was a self-taught artist who loved painting all subjects, Native Americans and birds were among her favorites. She with assistance from John participated in many Art Shows, Exhibits, and Auctions and she was the recipient of numerous awards. Thelma was a member of Passionate for Pastels and the River Ridge Art Club. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 59 years, John Giampietri; daughter, Kathy Zickler; son, John M. (Sharon) Giampietri; daughter, Karen E. Toombs (Lonnie); 11 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; her brother, John Klassen; special long time friends, Etter and Patty Milla; numerous nieces and nephews; many friends; and her River Ridge Artist family which she loved dearly. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Irene Klassen; brother, George Klassen; sister, Shirley Kling; son-in-law, Jerry Toombs; and great grandson Baby Dakota Toombs. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 16 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Riplinger Funeral Home 4305 N. Division Spokane, WA. A “Celebration of Thelma’s Life” will begin at 10:00 AM Friday, July 17, 2009 at Riplinger Funeral Home followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Guild School, which was very dear to Thelma’s heart, at 2118 W. Garland Ave., Spokane, WA 99205.