Virginia L. Thomas
Died February 15, 2017
NORTHPORT – Virginia Mildred Lehan Thomas, 90, of Northport,
passed away Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017 at the Northport Highlands surrounded by
her loving family.
Virginia was born July 20, 1926 in Evanston, IL the daughter
of James Frederick Lehan and Mildred Harriet (Bickel) Lehan. On April 21, 1951 in Milwaukee she married
William Garland “Will” Thomas, who survives.
Virginia was known
for her unwavering kindness and generosity of spirit. She saw the good in everything. She instinctively put others first, taking
genuine interest in their lives and pursuits. The prevailing sentiment among those who knew
her was: “I love Virginia.”
She was a woman of remarkable strength, calm, and quiet
determination. She strived to be a great
wife, mother, and friend, yet never took herself too seriously or asked for
recognition. She was known for her
smile, gentle hand squeeze, accomplished piano playing, and oatmeal pancakes. Her sources of pride were her children,
grandchildren, her life with Will, and relationships with family and friends,
especially younger siblings Jim and Judy.
Virginia was a helper, always supporting others as well as
civic and charitable causes. Despite her
busy schedule, she never failed to meet obligations and approached each day
with resolve. In the morning the coffee
was always ready, at night the kids were always tucked in.
Raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, Virginia was the eldest child
of James, a Sunbeam sales representative, and Mildred, a homemaker and diehard
Cubs fan. (Virginia often remembered her mom taking the kids on the street car
to Wrigley Field.) She was a member of
the National Honor Society and graduated from Park Ridge’s Maine Township High
School in 1944. A first job was selling
greeting cards at Marshall Field & Company in Chicago’s Loop. She next attended Northwestern University’s
nursing program, where she received her B.S.N. in 1949. She was a member of the Chi Omega (women’s)
Fraternity, made lifelong friendships, and fondly recalled a six-week train
trip across Europe with one of her nursing friends.
Introduced by Will’s sister Martha, also a nurse, Virginia and
Will met in Chicago. Will was
immediately struck by her grace and beauty, and felt surprised and lucky to
have his feelings reciprocated. Their
marriage in 1951 was the beginning of 65 years together. In their early years they lived in Sendai,
Japan, where Will was stationed during the Korean War. From 1953 to 1984, they lived, raised their
five children, and were integral members of the community in Sycamore,
Illinois. They moved to “Beach Home” in
Northport, Michigan, in 1984.
Virginia relished her community involvements. Among them in Sycamore were the Federated
Church, Sycamore Hospital Auxiliary, Parent-Teacher Association, and role of
“picture lady” in Southeast Elementary School. She was a founder and first president of CAP
(Concerned About People), a club to encourage inter-racial engagement and
understanding. In Northport, she was a founding member of the Grand Traverse
Lighthouse Foundation, the Northport Area Heritage Association, and ShareCare of
Leelanau. She was extremely active at
Trinity Church, including serving as “moderator”, Sunday school teacher, and
member of the bell choir; she was involved in and past president of the
Northport Women’s Club, the “Walkie Talkies” hiking group, and many other local
efforts. She was also a founding member
of the Waukazooville Athletic Club & Literary Society.
Virginia was a woman of many hobbies and interests, including
piano, cooking, swimming, gardening, family genealogy, crossword puzzles, and
photo albums of her children’s lives. She often excelled at these pursuits. She was a multiple winner of the Federated
Church Bake-off, for instance, and was accomplished on the piano playing
favorites such as “Rustle of Spring,” “Malagueña,”
and Christmas carols.
Virginia is survived by her husband, Will; five children,
Priscilla J. Thomas of St. Paul, MN, Roy S. (Susan) Thomas of Tampa, FL, Barry
L. Thomas of Matthews, NC, Andrea R. (Rick) Boudah of Northport, Paul W. Thomas
of Chicago, IL; ten grandchildren, Jean (Trent Wells) Porter, Robert Porter,
William Thomas, Richard (Jennifer) Zakrzewski, Savanna Thomas, Anthony
Esquivel, Rosalie Esquivel, Michael Esquivel, Alia Thomas, Zayn Thomas; a great
grandson, Ethan Zakrzewski; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and extended
family members.
She is also survived by sister Judith M. Chaires of
Bradenton, FL, and was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, James
E. Lehan.
A celebration of Virginia’s life and burial in Leelanau
Township Cemetery will be scheduled for the summer.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Church UCC; P.O. Box 156, Northport, MI 49670;
Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, P.O.
Box 43, Northport, MI 49670; Northport Area Heritage Association, P.O. Box 453, Northport, MI 49670;
The Northport Promise, P.O. Box 292,
Northport, MI 49670 and/or Northport Community Arts Center, P.O. Box 319, Northport, MI 49670 or
a Northport area charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be shared with Virginia’s family below:
