Among the many blessings in my life has been a wonderful woman I was honored to call my mother-in-law for nearly 40 years, a loving and comforting influence in our lives and almost certainly the most practical human being I’ve ever met. For those of you who may have read this on Lindas page immediately after her mother’s passing, please forgive the second posting; this one includes funeral arrangements. PAT THOMAS 1927-2013 Patricia (Pat) Thomas provided a living, loving example of resiliency and independence for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A model of practicality, the longtime Santa Clara resident died Monday, Oct. 28, at the Oak Tree Villa retirement community in Scotts Valley. She was 86. Patricia Ann Bell was born March 21, 1927, in Kansas City, Mo. She met George Thomas on a blind date, and they were married in 1946. The couple had five children: sons Stephen and Michael and daughters Shara, Karen and Linda. After the children were born, the family moved to California, living first in Morro Bay and later in Santa Cruz before settling in Santa Clara in 1959. She later went to work at Lockheed-Martin, spending 25 years as a document control specialist before retiring. Widowed at a relatively young age when her husband died suddenly in 1986, Mrs. Thomas inspired her family with her courage and strength, and she flourished in her independence. As her family grew to include 16 grandchildren, she continued to host summer pool parties and large, noisy holiday dinners. At Christmas, she was known as the “sock lady” for her annual trips to Mervyn’s to buy presents for each of the kids and grandkids. Later in life, her courage and strength were tested again when both of her sons died. She faced health problems with a matter-of-fact attitude and a wonderful sense of humor. In addition to her daughters and grandchildren, she is survived by 21 great-grandchildren. A former member of Zora Nile in Santa Clara and the Tuesday Toppers at Pruneridge Golf Club, Mrs. Thomas also enjoyed painting, pastels, sewing and crossword puzzles, as well as and caring for her dog, Taffy, and her cockatiel, Duke. She called family members faithfully on their birthdays and learned Facebook to keep up with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A funeral is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd. Santa Clara. Burial will be at Mission City Memorial Park, 420 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments, 1900 Mowry Ave., Suite 204, Fremont, CA 94538.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 22:09:45 +0000
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