Mary Margaret Thomas

On December 9, 2023, age 93, Mary Margaret Thomas passed away. Predeceased by her wonderful parents, Alfred and Gertrude (Smyth) Thomas and sister, Mildred (Thomas) Pillman. Mary will be dearly missed by her nieces and grand-nieces and nephews, her faithful godchild John Smith, her colleagues and many friends.

Mary was educated in Boston, MA. She held degrees from Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing. Boston College and Boston University. She graduated from Saint Mary’s University School of Law, San Antonio in 1982.

Upon completing her nursing education, Mary joined the United States Nursing Corp. and began her military and medical career. Posted across the United States and extensively abroad, Mary was a veteran of the Vietnam conflict in 1968 during the Tet Offensive serving her country honorably and with distinction. Mary exemplified duty, honor, country, courage, faith and above all, hope when hope became forlorn in military and civilian life. Among her many awards, Mary received the United States Air Force Commendation Medal as a prominent member of the Military Airlift Command and the United States Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding service to her country. In 1974, Mary was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel posted to Brooks Air Force Base, San Antonio, Headquarters of Aerospace Medical Command, Internal Medicine Branch.

In 1978, Mary decided to take a new direction and retired from the United States Air Force and permanently settled in San Antonio trying to choose between refining her skills as a pianist by obtaining a music degree or to study the law. She chose to become a lawyer and attended Saint Mary’s University School of Law. In 1982, Mary was appointed Attorney and Counselor of Law by the Supreme Court of Texas. She quickly was employed by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for many years. She also continued to play the piano at Brooks Air Force Base Chapel.

During Mary’s lifetime she had several dog companions. She trained with them and lavished them with love and affection and plenty of treats. Several of her dogs were irish setters and won numerous awards at the dog shows. They marched with her in San Antonio parades and were constant stars in many of Mary’s mishaps and stories. Her joy was evident in the last few years with the adoptions of a golden retriever and a young irish setter. She was ever faithful to them as they were to her.

After taking a memorable trip to the Grand Canyon, white water rafting down the Colorado river with her family, she decided to retire and open a law practice lending her expertise to friends and the many organizations she was affiliated with in San Antonio. Mary was a member of Saint Matthews Church Choir, San Antonio Founder Lions Club (President 2011), Society of Air Force Nurses (Treasurer), member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, and Allied Women’s Center (Board) in San Antonio, and San Antonio Right to Life (President).

Mary also took time to visit her family in the Northeast, arriving every summer for three weeks for her “beach vacation.” All of her family surrounded her at these visits, anxious to be listened to and share their stories, love and laughter. Mary was very close to her sister, Mildred, and they traveled together extensively, including a memorable trip to Disney World.Mary enjoyed spending time with her nieces, her many grand nieces and nephews, surfing at the beach (her favorite), whale watching trips, sailing, horseback riding and skiing. When visitors went to San Antonio she frequently entertained them at Seaworld, San Antonio zoo, San Antonio Riverwalk, Tower of the Americas and of course the Alamo Museum. With Mary, you were always on the move.

The family would like to thank Christus Santa Rosa Visiting Nurses and Wound Care, Beyond Faith Home Care, private nurse Jennifer Boeck, all medical professionals, friends, neighbors and family who contributed to Mary’s health and well being. Mary was truly blessed to have the thoughtfulness and caring of so many and will be missed by all.

VISITATIONTHURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 20243:00PM – 5:00PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE.

MASSFRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 202410:00AMST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH10703 WURZBACH RD.

A committal service will immediately follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to

Allied Women's Center102 Marshall St, San Antonio, Texas 78212

Saint Matthews Church10703 Wurzbach Rd San Antonio, Texas 78230