Thelma Gregoire

(From Berna Funeral Home)

Thelma Aileen Gregoire, 97, died at Promenade Health and Rehab in Rogers Arkansas on September 29, 2023, following a short illness. Visitation will be held on Wednesday Oct. 4th from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the Nelson Berna Funeral Home, 100 South 28th St., Rogers Arkansas. The memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Walton Hook officiating at the service.

Aileen was born at home on February 10, 1926, in Aldrich Missouri, the daughter of Lillie and James Melton. She graduated high school in Dadeville Missouri. 

Shortly after graduation she went to work in Springfield Missouri. Her roommate introduced Aileen to her future husband Frank Gregoire, a native of Des Moines, IA, when he was rehabbing at the Springfield hospital from wounds suffered in Italy during WWII. After a relatively short courtship they were married in Columbia Missouri on May 31, 1945. They enjoyed 63 three years together before Frank died in 2008.

Shortly after their marriage Frank departed for Des Moines to find employment and a place for them to live. Since Frank and all of his family were avid “East siders” he found a place in Highland Park on the east side and preparations were made for Aileen to come to her new home. Aileen boarded the train in Missouri and headed to her new home where she only knew her new husband. She told us many times that after a few months in Des Moines she would have happily returned to Missouri but didn’t have enough money to buy a bus ticket! 

After adjusting to a new life, from 1946 to 1984 they happily enjoyed life in Des Moines when they moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas and later to Bentonville.

Aileen was a dedicated Christian and member of the Church of Christ wherever they lived and wherever they travelled. The children told stories of travelling on camping trips and Mom insisting that they get dressed appropriately to attend Church of Christ services no matter where they were! 

Aileen always developed new friendships with her church friends and wanted us to thank all of those helpers that have visited and cared for her, especially over the last few years. She said she will be eternally grateful to those great people. 

Aileen stayed at home with the three children until later in their school years when she went to work as the executive secretary of the local NAPA distribution center. During her time at home with the children, she developed an at home seamstress business and enjoyed making clothes and alterations for family and friends. She became very skilled, and even made her daughter’s wedding dress.

Three children were born of this union. Connie, Richard and Thomas. Survivors include Connie Saunders (Wendell), Richard and Thomas (Theresa), Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to her church, Bentonville Church of Christ, 904 N Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712