Thomas, Patty, 91, died peacefully of natural causes on March 29, 2014 at her home in Newport Beach. She was surrounded by the love of her friends and family.

Patty was born in Erie, PA to Howard and Anna Thomas. She began dance lessons as a child and continued with dance when her family relocated to California after the death of her father. She was a graduate of Dorsey High School.

After WWII began she worked with the USO as a dancer and was chosen by Bob Hope to accompany him, Frances Langford and Jerry Colona on their first trip to the South Pacific and parts of Europe. Bob said he chose her because of her talent and her embodiment of the beauty of the "all American girl." When he introduced her to the troops, he would always say, "Boys, here's what you're fighting for." Bob was known for entertaining the troops whenever and wherever they needed moral support. Patty danced on the hood of Jeeps and on boards thrown down in the mud during tropical storms. She loved every minute of it. They often entertained near the front lines and in hospitals where the wounded men were taken. Patty never forgot the courage and patriotism of the young men who served so bravely.

The bonds that were formed during this tour lasted a life time. Patty, Frances and Bob remained life long friends, and Patty enjoyed the happy times she spent with Dolores, Linda and the Hope family. With Patty's death an era has come to a close.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Howard and Bill. She is survived by her nieces, Patty Corley and Ruth Fry and by her nephews, Bill Thomas, John Thomas and Tom Thomas and their families. Her honorary niece and dear friend Rebecca Welch also survives her. She is remembered with special love by her personal assistant and friend Jodi Sacco and the people who cared for her including Rosa Medina, Marilyn Palma, Tracy Robinson and Jackie Newman. April Aloiau and the entire Seacrest Hospice staff made her last days happy and peaceful.

Funeral arrangements are private. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Harbor Lawn Mt. Olive (714) 540-5554

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orange County Register from Apr. 18 to Apr. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Patty Thomas

Sponsored by Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary.

20 Entries

Ingo Klein

March 5, 2023

Sincere condolences from Kaufbeuren Airbase in Germany. Mrs. Thomas was here July 25, 1945 with Bob Hope as part of a USO tour. Ingo Klein, Kaufbeuren Germany

November 16, 2020

Thank you from Australia. Always remembered.

Patty as Mickey Mouse on Disneyland's Opening Day

Sandra Ragan

August 8, 2016

Bill Jordan

November 12, 2015

Patty was one of the most beautiful young women, just had to fall in love with her. Talented and lovely, she reminds me so much of my high school sweetheart. Same sweet face. And, so talented. As a vet, I salute her for entertaining the guys during the big war. RIP

April 25, 2014

Patty's warmth, beauty, and wit always lit up any room she walked in. A true class act! Her love of our country and of her faith was so wonderful to see. When we were together and she saw someone in the military or found out that a person had served, she would look them in the eyes and thank them. Saying the Rosary and giving thanks to God for a wonderful life was part of her daily prayers. What a kind and genuine woman!

I will miss you dear Patty. With love and great admiration - Jodi Sacco

April 24, 2014

I REMEMBER PATTY FROM THE TIME I WORKED FOR FRANCES LANGFORD.LOVELY LADY.

AL BABB

April 22, 2014

Patty was such a sweet person. She was connected to my father's family through her Aunt Alice McNally Linsey (widow of Albert) .
When my family moved to Calif. in 1946 she invited me for a weekend and to a teen of 15/16 that was such a thrill. We lost contact after her mother and my Dad's Aunt Alice passed away. Had no idea she was back in Orange Co. until I read the obituary.
Yes, we are all going to miss her bright smile and bubbling personality. She was one of a kind.

Here we were within a few miles and I didn't get to say goodbye to her. I still have pictures and her last Christmas card.

My thoughts & prayers go out to her relatives and close friends.

Shirley Morgan Toohey, Anaheim, Calif.

Don Penhollow

April 22, 2014

Thank you so much for posting the photos of Patty Thomas at dinner on Manus Island in 1944. My dad was at the dinner with her gypsies when the photos were taken. The commander of the base is J.E. Boak seated at the end of the table. I have no doubt of the great service Patty and her troup gave to our personell on the island when one of the most difficult of circumstances (lonelyness) was rampant. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I can send the original photos (8x11) to you upon your request. My email is [email protected].

John Thomas

April 21, 2014

John Thomas

April 21, 2014

John Thomas

April 21, 2014

John Thomas

April 21, 2014

Bob Hope and Patty Thomas

April 21, 2014

George Kyle with Patty Thomas, 2013

George Kyle

April 19, 2014

Our lives were, fortunately, graced by the presence of Patty Thomas. She possessed great physical and spiritual beauty, enormous talent, a great sense of humor,
and above all, gave of her friendship abundantly. Her life enriched ours.

George Kyle, Daniel Brondi, Rick Schank

April 18, 2014

Patty was amazing lady who truly had a big heart. Her infectious laugh coupled with her great sense of humor will never be forgotten. The heavens above are truly having the reunion of a lifetime as the USO troop entertainers are probably back entertaining everyone. Till we meet again my friend, much love and a whole lot of respect xoxo

April 18, 2014

Two photos taken aat her performance on Manus Is. in 1944. The reason all were fighting.

Manus Island S. Pacific 1944.

April 18, 2014

Patty Thomas USO

Paula and John Thomas

April 18, 2014

Patty was a beautiful woman with a big heart and sense of humor. Patty was recognized by the general public for her singing and dancing talent and working with Bob Hope and the USO. Those close to her and knew her personally, it was generosity and her many humorous stories that was so endearing and made her unforgettable. She will be sorely missed by everyone that knew her. We lost are beloved Aunt Patty but God gained an beautiful angel.

April 18, 2014

John and Kim Stanton. Patty would get a kick out of the fact that I forgot to sign my name to that post just now.

April 18, 2014

A special presence in this world. Patty will forever live in my heart as a dear friend and wise mentor for 16 years. A true beauty inside and out; love poured out of her constantly. I love you Patty. Until we meet in heaven, you will be missed greatly. Condolences to her dear friends and family. Crying for a great loss but she's with her Lord whom she longed for.

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