Fourth Generation
Wilma J. Tharnish was born on April 1, 192653, at Aurora, New York, the fifth child of William and Bessie Tharnish. In 1930, she was living her mother at Hornell, New York32.
However, by 1935, Wilma was at the Newark State School for Mentally Defective54. The Newark State School was established about 1878 as a facility for developmentally disabled, childbearing age women, with intent to limit their reproduction. In 1927, the institution's name was changed to the Newark State School for Mentally Defective. Its mission also changed to focus the education of mentally disabled girls for an independent life, if possible. Boys were admitted to the School in 1932.
The year Wilma entered the Newark State School, there were slightly more than 1900 patients, with an additional 380 on parole. The latter having been released to try an independent life, with return to the School was a possible, if needed. Based on information in her obituary and reported by Ed. Armbrust28, it appears Wilma was release sometime before the Newark State School was closed in 1991. She lived a good life in society, with help from a society for independent living. Her obituary states she "enjoyed shopping and buying clothes and jewelry. She collected dolls, one of which sang 'Joy Down In My Heart', and she would sing along".
Wilma died on October 11, 2003, at 77 years of age.
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