Margaret Thomas

Cortland- Margaret Mary “Maggie” Thomas, passed away peacefully at her home in Cortland on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. Margaret was born on May 30, 1926, in Bellaire, Ohio, a daughter of the late William Bross and the late Katherine Vincent Bross. She graduated from Warren G. Harding High School, worked as a telephone operator for Warren Telephone Company, and went on to work as the receptionist / switchboard operator for Denman Tire Company for 30 years. Margaret married Richard W. “Dick” Thomas, Sr. on February 17, 1945. Together, they shared 64 years of marriage until his passing on April 22, 2009. They enjoyed camping, traveling, and watching their children and grandchildren in sporting events. Their greatest joy was the family they built together and the time they spent with them. Until the day she died, Margaret enjoyed fixing meals for her “boys” and their families. She followed current events and worked crossword puzzles daily. Grandma Thomas also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitching, and each new baby in the family was welcomed with a hand-made blanket or sweater. Margaret is survived by four sons, Richard W. (Elaine) Thomas, Jr. of Warren, David L. (Susan) Thomas of Cortland, Dan W. (Sheryl) Thomas of Oxford, Michigan, and Martin J. (Susan) Thomas of Cortland, a sister, Anita Principi, fifteen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her devoted companion of the last two years, Grandpa’s Cairn Terrior, Missy. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and three sisters, Betty, Violet, and Jeanne. Per her wishes, Private family services were held at the Shafer-Winans Funeral Chapel in Cortland. Burial was held at Pineview Memorial Park in Warren. Donations in Margaret’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.shaferwinanschapel.com