Viola M Thomas

Viola Marie Thomas, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Centerville on June 3, 2013. She was born October 13, 1923 in New York City to Benjamin and Rose DeVorl. On September 14, 1946, she married Edwin R. Thomas, who was serving in the U.S. Coast Guard at the time they met.

After residing in New York City, and New Milford and Clifton, New Jersey, Mrs. Thomas moved to Cape Cod in 1965. She resided in Centerville followed by a few years in Cotuit and then returned to Centerville in 1972 for the rest of her life.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Mrs. Thomas worked in several banks in Hyannis. In the 1990s, she volunteered at the Melody Tent in Hyannis and at the Barnstable Recreation Center selling beach stickers. She enjoyed bowling, golfing and card games such as whist and bridge. She also spent many happy hours at the Senior Center in Hyannis. Her most memorable vacations included two trips to Hawaii, one in 1976 and another in 1998. She was proud of her Italian heritage and was well known for her homemade eggplant parmesan.

Mrs. Thomas was a devoted mother to her son, William R. Thomas of Hyannis and daughter, Sharon-Rose D. Fleming of Reedville, Virginia. She was very proud of her two grandsons, James W. Fleming III and Thomas E. Fleming.

After 41 years, Mrs. Thomas will finally be reunited with her beloved husband of 25 years, Edwin R. Thomas. She will also be reunited with her brother, William DeVorl, who served in the Army and was killed in action in the Normandy Invasion and her sister, Dorothea DeVorl, who raised her after their mother died when she was 12-years-old.

A private graveside ceremony is scheduled for June 21, 2013. Friends and relatives are invited to visit the family at Ms. Thomas’ former residence in Centerville from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Friday, June 21, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Cape Cod, 255 Independence Drive, Hyannis, MA 02601.