Katherine J. Thomas

Katherine Thomas, 94, was called home to be with her loving husband Kurt, who predeceased her last month. The two were married for 77 years, a formidable, hardworking couple who always put family first. Their children: William, Carol, Barbara, Julie and James, and their spouses, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, have all benefitted from the love, support, education and guidance provided by Katherine. She took many others under her motherly wing over the years. A lifelong resident of East Longmeadow, she was predeceased by parents Jane and Harry Christianson, brothers Harry and Charles Christianson, and sisters Alice Lemoine and Margaret Balch. She is survived by sisters Sally Sienkiewicz and Annamae Marron, and sister-in-law Phyliss Christianson. A lifelong congregant of St Michaels parish in East Longmeadow, she was a daily mass attendee for many years, and a member of the Reflections group. As a worker on the assembly line at R E Phelon in East Longmeadow, she was an example of the hardworking middle class, an active union member, fighting for workers’ rights. Upon retirement, her grandchildren then became her priority, being a teacher and caregiver during their formative years. Her role as a parent included fun, playing games, riding bikes, flying kites and midnight swims. She was a den mother for son William's Boy Scout troop. Her service to veterans as a member of the American Legion Post 293 Auxiliary was an extension of her parents' commitment as leaders in that organization. The Thomas family wants to express special thanks to Vero Health, formerly Wingate, of Hampden for the years of loving care provided during her decline in health due to Dementia. Visitation will be at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow on Sunday, November 8, 2020, from 1pm to 3pm, followed by a family memorial service at 3pm. COVID 19 protocol procedures, masks and social distancing will be followed. No interment or other activities will take place at this time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity. For online condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.