Anna "Anne" Mae (Nee Boyd) Thomas

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Anne Thomas, who was in her 93rd year, on Oct 15, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1933, in West Lakevale, Antigonish County, Anne was the eldest of ten children. At the age of 13, her family moved to the town of Antigonish, where Anne dedicated her time working hard on the farm and playing her beloved violin. Driven by an aspiration for higher learning and a deep respect for academic achievement, she attended the Normal School in Truro at just 17 years of age, to begin her teaching career. She later completed her degree, proudly graduating from St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) in 1958. Through her entire life Anne has cherished the camaraderie with others sporting the X-ring. In her early years teaching in Halifax, she met the love of her life, Bob Thomas, with whom she shared 60 beautiful years of marriage before his passing. During this time Anne devoted her energy and love to her home, her four children, her grandchildren as well as her many nieces and nephews. Also was her deep faith and devotion to her church and community of Saint Lawrence Parish where she taught religion for 20+ years and served as a Minister of the Eucharist, and her works of charity including many years with Hope Cottage in Halifax. But it was how Anne made people feel: Anne looked beyond people’s flaws and recognized first, the good – and she’d tell you that. She was known for her inclusivity of all people and being a champion for the vulnerable and she made it her mission to encourage those around her to see their own strengths. Her warmth and beautiful smile were famous, and she opened our doors to anyone who needed a welcoming home, a warm meal, laughter and stories, a listening ear. With Anne at the helm, our home was filled with love, music, and, above all, unconditional acceptance. Her profound faith and immense kindness led many who knew her to affectionately refer to her as "Saint Anne." Anne is survived by her loving children: Marie MacLean (Mark), Nadine Thomas (Max), Jamie Thomas (fiancee Jen), and Laura Thomas (Sean); her cherished grandchildren Daniel, Johanna, Hugh, Henri, Jaxxon, Mae, and Lucas; her surviving siblings Mary, Lynn, Margaret, Donalda, Jim, Alan and Colin; and a large, loving extended family of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob, her parents Colin J. Boyd and Marie Boyd, her sister Eunice, and her brother Johnny D. A special thanks to our in-home caregivers Kimberley Sullivan and Carolyn Leblanc, who provided such loving care to Anne in her final years and days.

A visitation will be held on Thursday October 22, 2026 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at J.A. Snow’s Funeral Home on Parkland Drive Halifax. A funeral mass celebrating Anne’s remarkable life will take place on Friday October 23 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Agnes Church in Halifax. A private family burial will follow in Antigonish at a later date.