Elizabeth Thomas

Elizabeth Mary Thomas Jan. 12, 1921-Feb. 22, 2010 Passed away peacefully on February 22, 2010. She was surrounded by her family and many loving caregivers. "Betty" was the devoted wife of Robert H. Thomas for 56 years, a caring sister to Mary Gavin, and a wonderful and loving mother to Janet Westphal of Boulder Creek, CA, Eileen Elder or Loomis, CA, Paul Thomas of Austin, TX and Anne Karasky of San Carlos, CA. Born January 12, 1921 in Boston, Mass, Betty graduated from high school in 1942 and entered nurses training at Massachusetts General Hospital. She became a registered nurse in 1944 and joined the US Navy Nurse Corps. After WWII Betty enrolled at Columbia University and received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1951. She returned to active duty during the Korean War, was stationed at Astoria, Oregon where she met and later married Lt. Robert Thomas. Bob and Betty had four children. After Bob retired from the Navy, they moved to California, settling in Saratoga in 1965, and remained there for the next 45 years. Betty stayed home to raise her family. She was known for her compassionate and caring spirit. With her nursing background, she would often care for elderly or ill family members and friends, remaining at their side and comforting all that needed it. Mom also had a delightful Irish sense of humor with a velvet glove at the expense of no one. She loved children, and later became a school nurse where she worked for 13 years in the Moreland School District in San Jose, California. She loved being a mother, and would sparkle when she saw any of her seven grandchildren. Betty was an active parishioner at the Church of the Ascension in Saratoga, where for many years she brought communion to the local convalescent home, served as Parish Council President, participated in many small group bible studies and gave annual flu shots at the Community Center. Mom was active in the Career Closet, an organization which provides professional clothes to women entering the workforce. A Funeral Mass celebrating her life will be held at the Church of the Ascension 12033 Miller Avenue, Saratoga, CA on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Elizabeth Thomas's name to Pathways Hospice 395 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 128 South San Francisco, CA 94080 Funeral arrangements provided by ALAMEDA FAMILY FUNERAL HOME Saratoga, CA