Barbara Thomas

Barbara A. (“Kelly”) Thomas, 78, of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at the Chenango Memorial Hospital Residential Health Care Facility with family by her side.

Born March 30, 1938, in Camden, NJ, Kelly was the daughter of Edward and Angela (Bulinkis) Kelleher. After graduating from high school, Kelly enrolled in and completed a degree in nursing.

On October 31, 1959, on Governor’s Island, in New York City, Kelly married William R. (“Bill”) Thomas, Jr., who died on October 24, 2010. Kelly and Bill moved to the Binghamton, NY area where he began work at IBM and Kelly continued her nursing career. She worked as a registered nurse at both Wilson and Lourdes Hospitals, and in several disciplines including pediatrics, surgery, MRI imaging and home health care. After retiring, Kelly and Bill moved to Norwich in 2005.

Kelly was an expert seamstress, and she loved spending time as often as she could with the staff and her friends at Sew Nice. She also excelled at other types of crafting, particularly knitting and crocheting. Many friends, family and new babies received and treasured her beautiful handmade sweaters, hats and blankets. Grandma Kelly avidly followed the activities of all of her grandchildren, and she especially enjoyed watching Syracuse University basketball. Bill and Kelly both loved listening and dancing to Dixieland jazz music.

Kelly is survived by three daughters; Deborah T. Sutton and her husband, Thomas, of Norwich, Suzanne M. Thomas, of Safety Harbor, FL, and M. Kathleen Sylvester and her husband, John, of Endicott; five grandchildren, Tyler Saroka, Cassie and Michael Sutton, and Joseph and Sam Sylvester; sister Carol Toogood of Voorhees, NJ as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass for Kelly will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at St. Paul’s Church, where Father Ralph Bove, pastor, will officiate. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

A special thank you to the compassionate staff at CMH Nursing Home, including Dr. Simcoe and all of her loving nurses and aides. Mom made many friends during her time there, and the family appreciates all those that cared for her from the bottom of our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kelly’s memory may be made to Chenango Memorial Hospital Residential Health Care Facility – Activities Fund.