Obituary of Dorothy Grace Thomas

Dorothy Grace "Dottie" Thomas, 84, passed away peacefully at her home on July 17, 2015. She was born on February 3, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY to the late William and Laura Klee. After losing her father at age 17 she was embraced and loved by her many aunts and uncles who demonstrated to her the importance of a loving family. Dottie spoke often of their love and guidance during this time and how it shaped her life. One of her uncles introduced her to the love her life, Jack Thomas. They married on August 25, 1951 in Brooklyn and moved to Sidney Center in 1961. Dottie was a devoted wife and mother. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed sharing meals around the table with family and friends. Birthdays and holidays were especially memorable. She was knowledgeable about wildflowers and birds and enjoyed sharing with others, particularly in the Spring. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband, Jack, and daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Douglas Gibson. She is survived by her children, Bill (Linda) Thomas, Susan (Richard) Wakeman, John (Nancy) Thomas; her beloved sister, Laura K. Maines; grandchildren, Jim (Heather) Thomas, Gary Thomas, Matthew (Tiffany) Thomas, Michael (Rebecca) Wakeman, Laura (Brad) Haver, Elizabeth Wakeman, John (fiancée, Taylor) Gibson, and Chris Gibson; great-grandchildren, Caila, Cole, Jackson and Jenna. She loved her family deeply and engaged with each of them in her own unique way. She will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at the Sidney United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty St. Sidney, at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 21, 2015. For those who wish to make memorial donations the family suggests the Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Dr. Oneonta, NY 13820. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.