January 26th, 2021 would have been Grandma Thomas’ 87th birthday; instead of celebrating that milestone we gathered the day before to celebrate her incredible life as she passed away the week prior.
It was a beautiful service and family dinner and I’m in awe of the time and effort and coordination that went in to all of it. We loved spending the weekend with Chuck’s family, hearing stories and seeing pictures and learning more about this beautiful woman who loved all of us so much. Our kids are blessed to have had a great-grandma who was able to be part of their lives.
Obituary:
Patricia Jack Thomas passed away on January 17, 2021. She loved Shakespeare and his words described her best: “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” She was fierce in her love for her family, her church, the outdoors, children, and literature.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She spent many years working with the children and teens of the church. Many still call her their second mom. Pat also enjoyed working as a Girl Scout leader and received a Woman of Distinction Award in 1997.
Patricia was born January 26, 1934 in western Pennsylvania, the oldest child and only daughter of Raeman and Irene Jack. She is survived by her youngest brother, James Jack. Patricia met her husband, Edward William Thomas, at Penn State, their shared alma mater. They were married on June 28,1955. Together they were avid football fans and bled true blue. They enjoyed time on the beach, camping, backpacking, church activities, and their family. They leave behind 4 children (Terri Izatt, Suzanne Gray, William Thomas and Robert Thomas), 15 grandchildren, and soon-to-be 28 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 11 at 1pm at the Mt. Irwin Cemetery, 4621 Scrubgrass Rd. Kennerdell, PA.
A memorial service will be held in her honor on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2pm at the Susquehanna Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, at 27832 PA-171, Susquehanna, PA. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, books be donated to local charities and police departments.
Pictures from a birthday celebration for Grandma in 2015.
Grandma Thomas with each of our babies (clockwise from top left: Clyde, Will, Carma, Jack).
These are some of the pictures I loved seeing - especially Grandma on the beach with her four young children and Grandma on the beach with her four grown children. Those four siblings (Chuck’s mama is the oldest) carry on so many of the wonderful traits that Grandma was cherished for, and I’m so grateful for that. We would have loved to have Grandma around longer (especially the grandkids that were especially close to her 💕) but I’m pretty sure heaven needed some wit and wisecracking and I’m pretty sure Chuck’s grandpa needed his bride.
Grandma Thomas lived in Pennsylvania, but came 'out west' in November with Terri to spend the winter in Utah and Nevada. We recognize now what a clear prompting that was - at the time we had no idea that Grandma's health would decline so quickly. What a blessing it was to have those last few months with Dave and Terri taking such good care of her and spending the holidays with family in Utah.
We were also grateful to have the chance to go to Elko to say goodbye to Grandma. It was a sweet Sunday gathering of extended family with Aunt Gina and Uncle Bill and Rachel's family there; we had home church together and took turns snuggling with Grandma.
After church Carma availed herself of the dress up bin:
Instagram caption: Grateful to have spent time with Chuck’s family today. We are home safe and missing Grandma and Grandpa already. Tender way to end our wanderings 🧡.
Dave and Terri called as we drove home to let us know that Great Grandma had passed away, only a couple of hours after we all left. We pulled over in Twin Falls and cried.
These are the scripture verses that were used on Grandma's funeral program:
The next week found us all in Utah enjoying being together, spending time with family from far away, and sharing stories and memories.
Instagram caption: I spy Chuck and his two sisters plus two nieces giggling at memes in the kitchen 😍.
Aunt Melissa and Uncle Bob, Terri, Anna, and Dave.
Another afternoon of dress up!
The funeral was lovely and moving and wonderful:
Grandma's two sons and six of her ten grandsons were her pallbearers.
Grandma's grandsons outnumbered the granddaughters (ten and five) but the great-grandchildren are more evenly spread amongst the 30+. Here are the oldest two great-grandsons, Clyde and George:
After the funeral we had a really nice luncheon. Aleesha made this incredible cake to honor Grandma's love of books:
Cousins and second cousins: James, Avery, Ella, Carma
Sweet sibling hug:
Most of the great-grandchildren able to be there - missing a couple tiny ones in this picture and some in southern Utah and some back East.
Grandma knew about and appreciated my quirky need to ensure my family is always color coordinated for special events, so I feel like she led me to those ties at two different DI locations on Saturday 😎🤍🖤.
Goodbyes to cousins.
Carma and (Great) Aunt Melissa clicked instantly. Sweet connection!
We are grateful for a loving, passionate, involved grandma and great-grandma, the time we had with her, and the chance to both celebrate her and mourn her loss with family.
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