Barbara E. Thomas

Barbara E. (Levangie) Thomas, 96, of Manchester and formerly of East Hartford, loving wife of 38 years of the late Arthur C. Thomas, peacefully entered into eternal life on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Hartford Hospital. Born in Weymouth, MA on May 1, 1925, a daughter of the late William E. and Edith (Taylor) Levangie, she was a resident of East Hartford for 55 years prior to moving to Manchester nine years ago. She was a graduate of Weymouth High School, class of 1943. Prior to her retirement in 1990, Barbara was employed for over 29 years by G. Fox and Company in Hartford.

A devout Catholic, Barbara was a longtime faithful communicant of St. Christopher Church, East Hartford. She was an active member of the East Hartford Southend Senior Center where she enjoyed tap dancing, playing bingo, going on trips, and socializing with her friends. A talented crafter, she who enjoyed making ceramics, crewel embroidery, puzzles and other crafts. She liked bowling, football and watching all sports on television, was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Moses Fox Club from G. Fox and Company, and volunteered for the American Lung Association in East Hartford. Barbara most of all enjoyed being a loyal wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt who cherished her time spent with all her family members.

Barbara is survived by her devoted daughter, Joyce M. Rockefeller and her husband Ronald of Manchester; four special grandchildren, Kathleen Shanahan and her husband Ruben Mulero of Wethersfield, Susan Cyr of Newington, Brian Rockefeller and his wife Beth of Ellington, Karyn Dillon and her husband Kenneth of Manchester; seven adored great-grandchildren, Travis, Noah, Jacob, Colton, Sophia, Joshua, Avery; and one great-great-granddaughter, Sydney. She also leaves her brother, Robert Levangie of Lugoff, SC; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Besides her beloved husband and parents, Barbara was predeceased by a daughter, Judith “Judi” Shanahan of East Hartford; a grandson, Patrick Shanahan of East Hartford; a great-granddaughter, Savannah Cyr of Ellington; a brother, William Levangie; four sisters, Irene White, Dorothy Canton, Alice Walsh, and Mary Davidson.

Funeral service will be Thursday (September 9, 2021) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 am at St. Christopher Church of St. Edmund Campion Parish, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, (Section B), East Hartford. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church on Thursday morning. Barbara’s family will receive relatives and friends at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Wednesday (September 8, 2021) from 4 – 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to the American Lung Association, 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. Due to the ongoing health crisis, all attendees are asked to please wear a face covering and follow all regulations of the town, funeral home, and church. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.