Thomas, Eugenia

Mrs. Eugenia "Jean" Thomas passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 9, 2006 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Born June 30, 1923 to William and Katherine Lapa she was the second eldest of five children. Mom met the love of her life, Alfred William Thomas in 1947 and they married September 4, 1948. They had 53 years together before he predeceased her in 2002. They had 5 children and 5 grandchildren of whom they were extremely proud; Lillian Thomas (Len Dalman) and their son David; Brian Thomas (Deb Plouffe), his son Jason and her daughters Colleen (Marsin) and Nicole (Roy) and their son Braeden; Susan Grinstead (Maurice) and their daughters Jennifer and Amanda; Joan Thomas-Gilhooly and Sharon Ambro (John) and their daughter Heather. She is also survived by sister Anne Pelto (Paul); brother Andrew Lapa (Erna); brothers-in-law Eugene Oliarnyk, Ron (Ollie) Thomas and Ken (Margaret) Thomas as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Alfred; parents William Lapa and Katherine Lapa (nee Tarnowsky); father-in-law and mother-in-law David Thomas and Adeline Thomas (nee Baxendale); sisters Mary Walker and Olga Oliarnyk and brother-in-law Bob Walker. Mom was a special lady who made you feel wonderful about yourself and the world from the moment you met her. She was extremely proud of her time as a "Rosie the Riveter" during WWII. She was a member of the Abitibi Ladies Auxiliary and the Abitibi Bowling League. She volunteered at Pinewood Court, making pyrohy for Broadway United Church and baking for the Knox United Church (Shuniah) Annual Tea. She was a Fuller Brush Lady for many years and many of her customers became life long friends. Our friends became her "adopted children" and she was affectionately know as "Mama" to them. Funeral Services for the late Mrs. Jean Thomas will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Monday, December 18, 2006 in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James with Rev. David Silliman officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2006 from 7:00 until 9:00 P.M. in the chapel. If friends so desire, memorial donations to the TBRHSC, Knox United Church - Shuniah or to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Please sign the ON-LINE Condolences at everestofthunderbay.com