Celebrating the life of
Kathryn Wellman Thomas
May 14, 1936 - November 26, 2012
Kathryn Wellman Thomas of Savannah, GA, died on Monday, November 26th from complications of Parkinson's Disease. Born on May 14, 1936, in Akron, Ohio to Victor and Ruth Wellman, Kathy moved as a little girl with her family to Westfield, New Jersey. She attended Smith College, graduating with a degree in Music in 1958 and married her high school sweetheart, H. Emerson Thomas, Jr., also of Westfield, that same year. Kathy and Emerson Tom moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he attended Boston University School of Medicine and they started their family. Settling in Newton, Massachusetts, where they lived for 30 years, Kathy began a long relationship with the Newton Presbyterian Church where she was heavily involved in the music programs, directing numerous youth and adult choirs, as well as full scale musical productions. In 1983 she earned a Master's Degree in Sacred Music from Boston University, and became the Director of Music at Newton Presbyterian Church. She served in that role for 15 years. Kathy also was actively involved with the Museum of Fine Arts where she chaired the Ladies Committee Associates.
In 2003 Kathy and Tom retired and moved to The Landings in Savannah where they became active in the community. Kathy sang in the choir at Messiah Lutheran Church, was a docent at the Telfair Museum and tutored in the LOVE program. She also enjoyed golf, four hands piano with the Music Makers, and all of the wonderful cultural opportunities in Savannah.
Kathy is survived and will be deeply missed by Tom, her husband of 54 years, as well as her daughter and son-in-law Susan and David Cabot, of Cambridge MA, her son and daughter-in-law James and Glory Thomas, of Iselin, NJ, her daughter, Jane Thomas, of Falmouth, MA, her daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Dan Shramek, of Portland OR, and her beloved grandchildren, Brae, Nelle and Susanna Cabot and Victor, Hannah and Beatrice Thomas. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and James Livingston, of Princeton, NJ and her uncle, John James, of Olympia WA.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 11AM at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 1 West Rridge Road, Savannah GA. A subsequent service will take place early in 2013 in the Boston area. Memorial gifts may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation or the Messiah Lutheran Church.
Hello! I send my love & prayers to everyone gathered missing this wonderful lady. She was someone who helped me find my voice, as I was fortunate to sing in her choirs as a child in West Newton, MA. Kathy also gave me some of my 1st performing opportunities on my violin, hi up in the choir loft of the old Presbyterian Church. Before we'd play Kathy always helped ease my jitters by saying, 'If it's good & kind, the Good Lord accepts whatever you have to give.' So, Kathy, thank you for all of the wonderful music & memories all those many years ago. Because of your vast talents & encouragement, I still enjoy playing & singing today. God Bless you, & look forward to singing with you again someday. With Love & Thanks forever, 'Lizzie.'
- Elizabeth Pfund Woolever, Plymouth, IN
Kathy was a true friend with whom we shared many happy experiences. She brought her strong musical gifts to our lives and more importantly, her faith and kind ways. We celebrate her life and greatly mourn her loss. Lucy and Bob O'Mara
- Lucy OMara, Needham, MA
Kathy always come comes to mind when I think back on my years at Newton Presbtyerian Church - and in the choir. Her smile, gracious manner, good humor and her music will be with me always. She was God's gift to so many people. I am glad her suffering has ended and rejoice that we shall meet again. Hallelujah.
- Sharon Taylor, Pittsburgh, PA
It is sad to think of Kathy no longer being here to brighten the days of so many whose lives she touched over the years. Yet we can rejoice in her joy of being 'present with the Lord'. My prayers are with you & your children, Tom, and all extended family.
- Louise MacGregor, Midlothian, TX
The beautiful picture of Kathy brings back many happy memories. I'm blessed to have known her. I'm praying for Tom, Susan, Jimmy, Jane, and Sarah and all the grandkids. May you all know His perfect peace.
- Dale Headley Labrecque, Staunton, VA
She was so kind to an uppety tenor fresh out of college. She taught me about loving the Lord through music. She loved each one of us in her music circle,and oh how we loved her, to say nothing of her talent that she generosuly shared! My world is changed immeasurably for the better, then and now and always, for knowing dear friend and teacher Kathy Thomas.
- Tim Borchers, Medfield, MA
We'll miss this wonderful friend. Blessings on you, Tom, and on your extended family
- Chuck and Alice Carlston, Farifax, CA
Hello! I send my love & prayers to everyone gathered missing this wonderful lady. She was someone who helped me find my voice, as I was fortunate to sing in her choirs as a child in West Newton, MA. Kathy also gave me some of my 1st performing opportunities on my violin, hi up in the choir loft of the old Presbyterian Church. Before we'd play Kathy always helped ease my jitters by saying, 'If it's good & kind, the Good Lord accepts whatever you have to give.' So, Kathy, thank you for all of the wonderful music & memories all those many years ago. Because of your vast talents & encouragement, I still enjoy playing & singing today. God Bless you, & look forward to singing with you again someday. With Love & Thanks forever, 'Lizzie.'
- Elizabeth Pfund Woolever, Plymouth, IN
Kathy was a true friend with whom we shared many happy experiences. She brought her strong musical gifts to our lives and more importantly, her faith and kind ways. We celebrate her life and greatly mourn her loss. Lucy and Bob O'Mara
- Lucy OMara, Needham, MA
Kathy always come comes to mind when I think back on my years at Newton Presbtyerian Church - and in the choir. Her smile, gracious manner, good humor and her music will be with me always. She was God's gift to so many people. I am glad her suffering has ended and rejoice that we shall meet again. Hallelujah.
- Sharon Taylor, Pittsburgh, PA
It is sad to think of Kathy no longer being here to brighten the days of so many whose lives she touched over the years. Yet we can rejoice in her joy of being 'present with the Lord'. My prayers are with you & your children, Tom, and all extended family.
- Louise MacGregor, Midlothian, TX
The beautiful picture of Kathy brings back many happy memories. I'm blessed to have known her. I'm praying for Tom, Susan, Jimmy, Jane, and Sarah and all the grandkids. May you all know His perfect peace.
- Dale Headley Labrecque, Staunton, VA
She was so kind to an uppety tenor fresh out of college. She taught me about loving the Lord through music. She loved each one of us in her music circle,and oh how we loved her, to say nothing of her talent that she generosuly shared! My world is changed immeasurably for the better, then and now and always, for knowing dear friend and teacher Kathy Thomas.
- Tim Borchers, Medfield, MA
We'll miss this wonderful friend. Blessings on you, Tom, and on your extended family
- Chuck and Alice Carlston, Farifax, CA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
