Virginia L. Thomas, Died Feb 15, 2017

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.

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