Norfolk –Thelma Laderberg passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Harbor’s Edge in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 100.
She lived a long, full, and deeply meaningful life—one defined by creativity, independence, devotion to family, and enduring friendships.
The beloved daughter of Fay Cooper Myers, Thelma carried forward a strong spirit and a love of self-expression that shaped every chapter of her life. She attended the College of William & Mary, where her lifelong passion for the performing arts flourished. Acting was one of her greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. She performed in plays during her college years and beyond, subsequently appearing in the Norfolk Little Theatre. In her later years, she shared her love of the stage by teaching acting to children at the Jewish Community Center, inspiring confidence, imagination, and self-expression in generations of young performers. She still found time to read to the visually impaired at WHRO for over 30 years.
In addition to her artistic talents, Thelma was a successful businesswoman who with her husband, ran the Dolly and Bobby Shoppe and later The Place and was admired for her independence, determination, and her refreshing honesty—she always told you exactly what she thought, without apology.
She was strong-willed, sharp-minded, and deeply engaged with the world around her.
Thelma was married to her beloved husband, Albert Laderberg, of blessed memory, for 54 years until his passing in June 2001. Their life together was one of love, partnership, and shared devotion to family. In her later years, Thelma made her home at Harbor’s Edge, where she was surrounded by a warm and vibrant community. She was intimately involved in the life of the community and created lasting programs like Thelma’s Follies. There, she enjoyed companionship, conversation, and the continuation of the deep friendships that meant so much to her throughout her life.
She is survived by her children, Wendy Konikoff (Albert), Steven Laderberg (Abbie), and Bruce Laderberg; her grandchildren, Dena Laderberg, of blessed memory, Michael and Bryan Konikoff, and Beth, Corey, Jody, Danny, and Kevin Laderberg; and her 10 great-grandchildren, who were a source of great pride and joy.
Services were held at HD Oliver Funeral Apartments in Norfolk, followed by burial in the Gomley Chesed Cemetery in Portsmouth. Donations may be made in Thelma’s memory to Beth El Temple, Harbor’s Edge Foundation, or WHRO.
Thelma Laderberg will be remembered for her talent, her candor, her fierce independence, and the love she gave so freely to family, friends, students, and community. Her life was a performance filled with purpose, heart, and unforgettable presence.