Clara Cecelia Thomas: 1931-2019

Clare Thomas (Honey) passed onto her eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 87 years of age.  She was born in Madison, IL to parents; Vincent and Clara, on June 18, 1931.   Clare shared 63 years of marriage with Andrew John Thomas, and he precedes her in death, along with her parents, and her siblings; Joseph, Vicky, Frank, Julie, Mania, Polly, and Junie and her surrogate mother, Julia Cohan (Bono).  She is survived by her children; Mark Thomas (Paula), Cheryl Thomas and Denise Rochon (Marty).  Her grandchildren; Austin Thomas Barber, Christine Kaim (Tim), Hannah Durham (Ben), Bethany Garr (John), Carissa Cousino (Kurt), Jenée Rochon (Courtney Hotelling) and Nolan Rochon.  She has twelve great-grandchildren; Jaxson Kaim, Ian, Aila and Annaliese Durham, Connor Rochon, Ava, Matthew and Kate Garr, Kylie, Gina, Abby and Trent Cousino.

Clare was devoted to her family and faith.  She took great joy in supporting her children and celebrating their achievements. As the family grew, she shared her enthusiasm and love for life with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was active in Girl Scouts and Christian Mothers at Our Lady Gate of Heaven Church, in Detroit and maintained life-long friendships with many people from the OLGH parish community.  When the family moved to Taylor, MI in 1978, they joined St. Alfred Catholic Church and she again was active in the Christian Women's organization along with various activities supporting the Church.  Clare's outgoing, loving spirit was evident to all she met. She often "vacationed" at her children's homes in Missouri and Georgia and built many wonderful friendships in these states.  She touched so many people's lives, and she was so loved by everyone that met and knew her.

Clare liked music and could play the piano by ear.  She was a skilled baker (legendary pies) and a very knowledgeable college basketball fan.  She loved playing cards and board games working crossword puzzles and reading novels.  She enjoyed theater plays and musicals very much.  Above all else, Clare loved to be surrounded by her family, be it at holiday gatherings, dance recitals, swim meets, concerts, soccer games, road trips, reading, or playing with her great-grandchildren. If Clare was with family, she was most happy!

Services will be held at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home at 9800 S. Telegraph Rd. in Taylor, MI.  Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 7th from 5-8 PM and Friday, Feb. 8th from 1-8 PM.  A Scripture Service will be held Thursday evening at 7:00 PM. A Rosary will follow the Scripture Service and be conducted by the Christian Women of St. Alfred Catholic Church.  A funeral Mass will be offered at St. Alfred Catholic Church, located at 24175 Baske St., Taylor, MI 48180, on Saturday Feb. 9th at 10AM. She will lie in state at 9:30 AM at the Church.  A luncheon at the St. Alfred Parish Center will follow the mass on Saturday.  A private burial at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI will take place on Monday, Feb. 11th at 8:30AM.

The family requests masses or memorial donations to the St. Alfred Christian Women, 24175 Baske St., Taylor, MI 48180.