Catherine "Kay" Thomas

Catherine Cusick “Kay” Thomas passed away on May 2, 2025 at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, Davenport. She was born on February 8, 1925 in Bogota, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Dr. James Thomas Cusick and Elizabeth Miles Cusick. She attended Brockport High School, New York and graduated from Wells College in 1946 earning a BA degree in liberal arts with a major in chemistry. She then pursued her career as an assistant editor of a publication in New York City. In the summers between years in college, she lived with her older sister and worked in Washington DC for the US Army. During the summer of 1945 she met R.L. “Bud” Thomas, who had recently returned from army overseas duty. That summer victory was declared for the end of World War II! They celebrated together in the DC streets with the joyous crowds.

Kay and Bud were married on June 26, 1948. They spent 66 happy years together before Bud passed away in July 2014. They lived in Lafayette, Indiana and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before moving to Bettendorf, Iowa and Corpus Christi, Texas. They enjoyed golf, traveling, bridge and raising their three lovely daughters: Catherine Ann (Keith) Tucker of Georgetown, Texas, Susan Lee (Larry) Begyn of Bettendorf, Iowa, and June Elizabeth Blunk of Dallas, Texas.

Kay was formerly active in AAUW, League of Women Voters, St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary, the American Chemical Society, and more recently, Quad City Gyrettes. She especially enjoyed playing bridge and painting. Kay was always proud of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their many accomplishments. She loved them all dearly.

She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law’s as well as grandchildren; Kate Tucker Ogden of Dallas, Texas, Rick Tucker of Ankeny, Iowa, Paul Begyn of Portland, Oregon, Elizabeth Begyn of Indianapolis, Indiana, Renee Begyn Jewell of Bettendorf, Iowa, Jason Blunk of Dallas, Texas, Kristi Blunk Laden of Austin, Texas, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; sisters; husband, Bud, and her daughter, June.

A Celebration of Life will be held for the family at a future date.