Obituary for Elizabeth M. Thomas Elizabeth. M. (Betty) Thomas, Age 98, of Fassett Road, Elmira, NY, and Woodbrook Assisted Living Residence, Maple Avenue, Elmira, NY, died peacefully Saturday, March 24, 2018, at the Elcor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Horseheads, NY. She was born January 25, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of the late Llewellyn Lorenzo Thomas and Ethel Tate Anderson Thomas.
She was also preceded in death by her sister, Elinor (Ellie) Thomas Fritchley and by her first husband, Harley Lewis. Betty married Elmira native Jack E. Thomas, M.D. on September 8, 1945 in Whitman, MA. They enjoyed 58 wonderful years of life and love together until Jack’s death in 2004.
Her survivors include: beloved children, Marc (Margo) Thomas of Savannah, Georgia, Grant Thomas of Dundee, NY, Gregg (Mar) Thomas of Newfield, NY, Cheryl Thomas (Richard) Bowie of Arkville, NY; much-loved grandchildren, Evan (Myra) Thomas, Owen (Romina) Thomas and Sarah Thomas; great-grandchildren, Chloe Thomas, Maia Thomas, Dylan Thomas, Grace Thomas, and Jack Thomas, along with several nieces and nephews. Betty graduated from Ridgewood (NJ) High School in June of 1938. She attended classes at Elmira College and the Arnot-Ogden School of Nursing, earning her R.N. in 1944.
Betty was a compassionate and dedicated volunteer, serving the community in a multitude of ways over the years. At various times she served on many non-profit Boards, including terms as President of the Visiting Nurses Association, the League of Women Voters, the YWCA, including extraordinary recovery efforts after the Flood of “72, and the Monday Mothers Club. She mentored children as a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Girl Scout Troop Leader and actively participated in the PTA.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served respectfully as a Deacon and an Elder. She taught Sunday School at Riverside Methodist Church, Westside Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church. Following Jack’s retirement in 1984, they volunteered together at the Tanglewood Nature Center and delivered Meals on Wheels.
Betty remained active with the Elmira College Alumnae Association, assisting her Class of ‘42 classmates with Reunions and the Octagon Fair for many years. In the months leading to Jack’s death in 2004, Betty drove herself, at 84 years of age, to the hospital daily to help with his care and remained active with the Arnot Auxiliary afterward, volunteering in the Skilled Nursing Unit as a friendly visitor, socializing with “the old people” there. Betty enjoyed vacationing with Jack in the Caribbean and throughout the United States and loved spending summers at Keuka Lake.
She shared the companionship of her loyal golden retrievers for more than 30 years. In her spare time, Betty was an avid reader, especially favoring mysteries, and regularly visited the Steele Memorial Library with her children, instilling in them a lifelong interest in reading and learning. She also enjoyed knitting, crossword puzzles, and playing card and board games with her family and with her bridge clubs.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service to celebrate her life and honor her memory Saturday, May 12, 2018, in the First Presbyterian Church, 1054 West Clinton Street, at 11:00am. The Rev. Dr. Betsey R. Crimmins will officiate.
The family will provide their own flowers. Memorial donations may be directed to the following: Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum, 443 Coleman Avenue, Elmira, NY 14903 (www. tanglewoodnaturecenter.com/donate), Arnot Health Foundations, 571 East Market Street, Suite 102, Elmira, NY 14901 (www.
arnothealth.org/donate-to-arnot-health/ways-to-give), or to the First Presbyterian Church, 1054 Clinton Street, Elmira, NY 14905. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Elizabeth M. Thomas please visit our Sympathy Store. Previous Events Memorial 2018 MAY 12.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
