Lena J. (Zarobsky) Thomas

Mrs. Lena J. (Zarobsky) Thomas, age 54, of Cold Brook, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2009 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown with her loving husband by her side. Born in Berwyn, Illinois on May 27, 1954, Lena was the daughter of the late Irving and Marie (Viola) Zarobsky. Raised and educated in Brookfield, Il, she attended Gross Elementary Public School and St. Barbara’s Catholic Elementary School. She graduated from Nazareth Academy in 1972. She pursued collegiate studies at Aurora College where she studied biochemistry and physics, and met her future husband, Allen. It was on October 15, 1983 in Chicago that she and Allen were married and shared 25 years in a union blessed with mutual love and respect. Lena continued her academic scholarship as she attended Rosary College where she received her undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in biochemistry. She also studied at Roosevelt University where she earned her Masters degree in psychology and at the same time was enrolled at George William College to obtain her Masters degree in social work. Lena continued her many and various pursuits of higher education when she attended John Marshall School of Law in Chicago, earning her initial law degree and became a member of the Illinois & Chicago Bar Association and subsequently served as chairperson of the Agricultural Committee of the Chicago Bar Association. While attending law school, Lena worked for the Chicago ARC directing various programs. She worked as an attorney on the South Side of Chicago where she offered her skills and knowledge to her clients, often pro bono. With her out-going and engaging personality, Lena was able to form meaningful social relationships easily, and even her foes became her friends. She worked as a volunteer at the Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton Illinois and at the Hooved Animal Humane Society in Woodstock, IL. She was a member of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), donated to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), NAHR, the Heifer Project International, Amnesty International, the Peacemakers-Intervention and Mediation Organization, where she served as a primary mediator while in Chicago and New York. Locally, she volunteered much of her time to fund raising projects at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, and served as a board member for a short time. Aside from working with lost and weary animals, Lena also devoted time to any human being in need. She used her professional intervention and communication skills and advocated to help many people improve their lives, further their education and increase their contribution to the community. Lena is survived by her husband, Allen; and her daughter, Hope Elizabeth Ann Thomas of Argyle, NY. Survivors also include her uncle, Frank and Antoinette Viola of Chicago; her aunt, Ann Brown; her nieces and nephews, Tammy Myer, and Jimmy Thomas; several cousins in Michigan and Illinois; and her brother-in-law, Mike Thomas. She also leaves many dear and cherished friends and co-workers, too numerous to mention. She was predeceased by her parents, and several aunts and uncles. The family is grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Cancer Center of Bassett Healthcare and also the staff of Bassett Healthcare Hospital. A special thanks is offered to her co-workers at CNYDDSO, Miriam, Catherine, and her friends, Vince and Sue, and Marybeth and Elizabeth and others in the Cold Brook-Ohio community for all their loving care, attention, and support shown to Lena and her family through the course of her illness. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 12:00 noon – 2:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Lena’s honor to the Heifer Project International; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lena’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 2:00 at the funeral home.

Lena J. (Zarobsky) Thomas

May 27, 1954 - February 6, 2009