Thelma R. Epstein MA ’82, resident of Cupertino, passed away Dec. 6, 2011. Thelma was born in Dallas, Texas, and completed her BA in Spanish from Southern Methodist University. Thelma later earned advanced degrees, one in U.S. History from California State University, Sacramento, and another in Special Education, Learning Disabilities from Santa Clara University. Thelma devoted her life to family, teaching, community service and political activism. Thelma taught for nine years in Redlands, Calif., and then continued her career as an instructor of U.S. History at De Anza College for twenty-four years. She served as vice president of the Foothill-De Anza Faculty Association, president of the Bay Faculty Association, treasurer and governor for Retired Faculty of the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, commissioner of the De Anza College Commission, and served on the boards of the Cupertino Library Foundation and the California History Center Foundation. Thelma was a lifelong member of AAUW,  holding both local and statewide offices. She was an active member of Shir Hadash Congregation as well as an avid 49ers, Giants, and Stanford football fan. Thelma is survived by Raymond, her loving husband of fifty-four years, children Bruce (Toni), Julie (Joel), David (Andrea); seven grandchildren; a brother and a sister.