The generosity and community care exhibited by Thelma Beatrice Robinson became a life theme.and her dedication to the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation was unique.

As chair and trustee of the Ladies’ Guild she worked tirelessly for many years.Whether it was welfare, preparing for kiddushim or shul functions, each task was performed with total dedication and to perfection.

A stalwart of Bournemouth Synagogue’s Ladies’ chevra kadisha, she was also deeply committed to raising funds for charities. The League of Jewish Women and Bournemouth Golda Emunah were among those who benefited from her tireless involvement.

Thelma’s welfare work was immeasurable. She would spend hours each week visiting shul congregants who were unwell and in need. Then in the evenings her time would be spent on the telephone speaking to others, ensuring they were well, and also organising her teams for the various activities and planning ahead with her committee for future events.

In the wider community, the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where she volunteered each week for more than 20 years, was very dear to her.

Her weekly rounds in the hospital were renowned and as she went among the wards she brought an often needed and much appreciated, cheery, comforting word to those who were unfortunately unwell. She organised several dinners and events to raise funds for scanners and other vital equipment for the hospital and for the Butterfly Jigsaw Appeal, to provide scanners and wheelchairs for the local Macmillan Unit.

Devoted to the support, care and well-being of the aged, frail and sick locally, and fundraising for local, national and international causes, her efforts have contributed to the care and comfort of many hundreds of children, elderly and disabled people both nationally and internationally.

She received numerous awards, including the Mayor of Bournemouth’s Volunteer Award and a Long Service Award from Bournemouth Hospital. The Mayor of Bournemouth asked: “Where would we be without these kind-hearted people who devote their time to caring for others? They are a credit to Bournemouth”.

In her youth Thelma, who was born in Dublin, assisted her mother in her delicatessen shop and later moved to London, working in ladies’ fashions, in general merchandising and window dressing. In 1980 she married Dr Jack Cowan and they lived in Wimbledon for a short time before moving to Bournemouth. She soon became involved in synagogue activities and general welfare work, which would occupy a major part of her life. Her contribution to local Jewish life and to the town itself is considered exemplary and unparalleled.

In vindication of her tireless involvement with her community, Thelma was invested with the British Empire Medal in the Queens New Year Honours List of 2017, an award accepted graciously but modestly.

Friends who mourn her said she would be sorely missed by the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation, her colleagues in the Ladies Guild, the wider local Jewish community, her many friends, family and by others far and wide. She is survived by her brother Stanley, sister-in-law Andrea, nephew Tyrone and niece Hayley. Jack predeceased her in 2005.
Max Lopes Dias

Thelma Beatrice Cowan BEM: born 19 February, 1937. Died 15 April, 2022