SOUTH BEND - Thelma Edith Field Hessling, 88, formerly of South Bend, died June 16, 2016, at Beacon Place in Greensboro, NC, surrounded by family. She was born November 5, 1927, in London, England, to William and Jeanne Field. As a young woman, she participated in many sports, including roller derby, and sang with her father's band. She immigrated to the United States in 1950. She met Paul Hessling when they performed together in a Notre Dame theatrical production. After their marriage in 1951, they lived in South Bend for many years before retiring to North Carolina in 2006. Thelma is survived by her children: Peter Hessling and wife Janet of Durham NC; Paul Hessling and wife Janice of Greensboro NC; Anthony Hessling of South Bend IN; and Victoria Hessling of Greensboro NC; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, and children, Christopher Hessling and Alexandra Hessling.

Thelma worked as an administrative assistant before she retired in 2004. She and her husband Paul also managed athletic program sales at Notre Dame for many years. In retirement she has enjoyed cruising, visiting Alaska, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, New England, and the Canadian Maritimes. She also traveled to England, France, Italy, and Mexico and saw the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team play a game in Ireland. She was an avid Fighting Irish fan, closely following the football, basketball, and hockey teams. She always kept Christmas well, generously sharing her enthusiasm with her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 20, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Greensboro, NC, with interment at the columbarium.

Condolences may be sent to Victoria Hessling care of Forbis and Dick Funeral Service of Greensboro.