Claire M Thomas' Obituary
Claire M. Thomas of Lewes, DE passed away on March 2nd from recurrent multiple myeloma at The Moorings at Lewes. She was 89 years old. Claire was born on 8/31/34 in New Brunswick, NJ to Kathryn (nee Addis) and Charles Seaker and raised in Milltown, NJ. She attended New Brunswick High School, graduating as salutatorian of her class. In 1955, she married W. Richard Thomas, and the couple made their home in Milltown. Claire worked as an executive secretary for several years before staying home with her children. She later resumed secretarial work, then cared for her grandson after retiring. In 1995, she and Richard moved to Lewes, having built their dream home, where they lived for 21 years before moving into The Moorings at Lewes.
Claire was an excellent cook and actively prepared meals and baked until she became ill. She was a voracious reader and, as a lover of numbers, enjoyed doing Sudoku puzzles. She maintained her shorthand skills and kept careful notes on everything, never missing an appointment and rarely forgetting anything. She always made efforts to keep in touch with family and those she met over the years, including several dear friends in England.
She is survived by Richard, her husband of 68 years, daughter Lynn K. Bickley, M. D. (William) of Chestertown, MD, son Mark R. Thomas of Clintondale, NY, grandson Capt. Ryan J. Bickley, M. D. (Anaizah) of Baltimore, MD, granddaughter Dayna M. Thomas of New Paltz, NY, and a great-grandson due this month.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 5, 2024 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 52 Tulip Dr, Lewes, DE 19958 where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 AM. All are invited to join the Mass by visiting YouTube and searching St. Jude the Apostle Church, Lewes. Interment will be later in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Chestertown, MD. No flowers please.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.
Florist note - Please deliver flowers by 3:00 PM on Thursday, April 4, 2024.
What’s your fondest memory of Claire?
What’s a lesson you learned from Claire?
Share a story where Claire's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Claire you’ll never forget.
How did Claire make you smile?