Thelma Thomas

Thelma “Kitty” Thomas, 97, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. She was born in Revere at her parents’ home on May 3, 1923. She was the daughter of the late Gunnar Tidestrand of Sweden and Helga (Zakariassen) Tidestrand of Norway. Kitty was predeceased by her husband, Robert Thomas, who was the love of her life; and her siblings Gunner Tidestrand Jr., Edna Cipoletta, Ruth Fralic, Jean Pollard & Roy Tidestrand.

She began working as a welder at the Charlestown Navy Yard during World War II. She then worked at a variety of positions when she lived in Michigan and New Hampshire before finally settling down in Beverly and taking a position at GTE Sylvania where she retired after 27 years.

Kitty had such a positive outlook on life, and it was evident as she celebrated her 97th Birthday with a Drive-By Parade in May. She told us with her big smile “Who says you can’t have a birthday party during a pandemic.”

In her younger years she enjoyed hosting pool parties, camping, waterskiing, boating, square dancing and traveling the United States with her husband Robert.

She was a lover of cats, hence her nickname “Kitty.” She always had a few stray cats that found their way to her doorstep, they were more like her children than a pet. In honor of Kitty’s love for animals, in lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to the North East Animal Shelter on 347 Highland Avenue Salem MA 01970.

She lived life to its fullest and one of her greatest joys was spending time with her family. Her niece and nephews, Sandy and Tim Roach of Wakefield, New Hampshire; Rick and Anne Marie Pollard of Swampscott; and Steve and Ann Pollard of Duncan, South Carolina considered her more than an aunt but a second Mom. She also leaves several great and great, great nieces and nephews that adored her visit. She also leaves a wonderful friend Beverly Bertrum and a sister-in-law Gert Tidestrand with whom she shared many happy memories.

In adherence to the guidelines issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the CDC, services will be held privately.