Kathleen Edith (Kerber) Thomas

Kathleen Edith (Kerber) Thomas, age 96, of Rome, NY, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2008 at the Eastern Star Home. Born in New Hartford on January 12, 1912, Kathleen was the daughter of the late George A. and Kathleen (Reusswig) Kerber. She was raised in Utica and graduated from the Excelsior School of Business. At one time she was married to Raymond P. Thomas. Kathleen’s working life was very diverse. She began her career as an assembler with the Horrocks-Ibbotson Fishing Tackle Co. where she worked for over 20 years. Subsequently she worked at Oneida Limited for a period of time. Lastly, she was employed as a secretary for over 20 years at Griffiss Air Force Base, retiring in 1977. She was a parishioner of St. Peter’s Church in Rome, NY. Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Heald of Rome, NY. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter, Frances Ann Lonergan, who passed away on April 14, 1982. She also leaves her son and daughter-in-law, Brian E. and Roxanne Thomas of Rome; her grandchildren, Susan and Harold Hitchcock, Cheryl Heald, John Heald, Sara Heald, Ann Marie Lonergan, Michael and Allison Lonergan, Laura Lonergan, Tara Ackerman, Patrick and Joy Thomas, Michelle and Stan Bogacz, and Cassandra Thomas. She treasured the memory of her grandson, James Joseph Lonergan, who passed away on October 10, 1969. Survivors also include 7 great-grandchildren; 1great-great-grandchild; her brother, William Kerber of West Leyden, NY; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. She was predeceased by her 4 brothers, Francis, George, Arthur, and Kenneth Kerber; her 2 sisters, Marguerite Lewis, and Virginia Seaton; and her son-in-law, Frank Lonergan. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff of the Eastern Star Home for the care and attention shown to Kathleen and her family. Visitation will be held Monday from 5-8 at the Griffin- Aldridge & Gulla Funeral Home, 209 N Washington Street, Rome, NY. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Kathleen’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Assn.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Kathleen’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:30 at St. John the Baptist Church in Rome, NY where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Services of comfort have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Kathleen Edith (Kerber) Thomas

January 12, 1912 - August 15, 2008