Martha Kay (nee Branch) Thomas passed away peacefully on August 2nd. Kay was born August 1, 1937 in Pen Argyl Pennsylvania to Clarence and Martha (Houser) Branch. She had two brothers - George and Harry, both of whom preceded her in death. Kay grew up in Pen Argyl with her close Branch family nieces Georgia Lee, Gale and Sheri Ann and her best friend, Gayle Mutton.
After graduating from Pen Argyl High School in 1955, Kay married and left the Pen Argyl area. She and her family lived in Coopersburg, Quarryville and Elizabethtown before moving to Northern Virginia. In 2008 she moved to New Port Richey, Florida.
Kay spent her working time in Virginia as a bookkeeper and as the world’s best Mom. She has two mostly-grown children, Nannette Craun of Warrenton, Virginia, and Bill (Angela) Thomas of Lutz Florida. Kay was a “Memaw” with three grandchildren: Sara Craun, and Christine & Dylan Thomas. They have wonderful memories of their “Memaw” attending sporting events, concerts, traveling to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and being a great grandmother. As part of the “Branch clan” she has many nieces and nephews and always enjoyed returning to Pen Argyl for the Branch Family Reunion in Weona Park.
Kay spent her later years after retirement in Florida where she enjoyed visiting the many beaches they have to offer. When not home in New Port Richey, Florida she enjoyed traveling. At one point, she spent 6 months in Europe doing genealogy research on her family who originated from Cornwall, England. Her travels included Russia, Cuba, China, Peru, Egypt and Bermuda, as well as several cruises. Many of these trips were with her dear friend Diane Rowlands.
Kay had a full life of family, fun, travel, pasties and much chocolate. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a fiercely independent person who loved to travel, learn and explore. Her heart was held by her children, grandchildren and her family. She is missed by many and may she rest in peace.
Kay’s family will hold a memorial reception at the Heritage Lakes clubhouse (9151 Heritage Lake Boulevard, New Port Richey, FL 34655) on Sunday, August 15th from 2 – 5pm. Her funeral services will be held in Pen Argyl at noon on Saturday, August 21st at Fairview Cemetery. A celebration lunch will follow. All are welcome to these celebrations.
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