Mrs. Renate W. Thayer

Renate passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025. Renate was born in Stettin, Germany in 1935 to the late Marie and Herbert Werder. She and her family, including her brother, the late Horst Werder, left Germany in 1937 to start a remarkable life in the United States. Renate spent part of her life in New York, New Jersey, Richmond, and finally Glen Allen, her home. After graduating from Glassboro State Teachers College, Rowan University, she taught history and government at Clayton High School in NJ. Renate became a southerner when she married the late James G. Thayer. Mrs. Thayer then joined the faculty of Thomas Jefferson High School where she was a beloved history/government teacher and was honored to be the sponsor of the Class of 1964. Mrs. Thayer retired from Tee Jay due to the birth of her children, Anne and Sarah.

Renate was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, she was the past President of AAUW- Richmond branch and the Friends of the Tuckahoe Library. She was a member of Laura’s Readers, The Tuckahoe Woman’s Club, Tri-Club, numerous bridge groups, and supporter of many local cultural and historical groups.

The joy of Renate’s life was her daughters and grandchildren, Orry and Jesse. She loved introducing them to unique foods, cooking together, and sharing her love of reading.

No matter what you called her: Mrs. Thayer, Renate, Mom, Oma, she was who she was and we loved her frankness and honesty. She loved us as we were and she will be missed. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Susan Bareis, The Townes Garden Club, 3501 Gwynns Place, Glen Allen, VA 23060, or Shrine Mont, PO Box 10, Orkney Springs, VA 22845. A special thank you goes to Michele Russell and Christina Johnston for their care and support of our parents and us.

Graveside service at Hollywood Cemetery on May 17, 2025 at 11 a.m.