Marlene O. Thomas

MARLENE O. THOMAS, age 78, of Reading, PA, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2013, at the Berkshire Center, Reading, PA. She was the wife of H. Edwin Thomas who passed away in 2000, and with whom she shared 19 years of marriage. Her first husband J. Eugene O'Brien passed away in 1978. Born in Brockway, PA, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Mildred Ford Ross. She was a Library Clerk at the Kennett High School, Kennett Square, PA, retiring in 1999. Marlene was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Kennett Square and St. Benedict's in Mohnton, PA. She enjoyed reading, dancing, Philadelphia sports teams, going to Stone Harbor and Cape May, NJ, and being with her family and friends. She started in a black and white world like an old photograph, watching and learning and hoping to one day make a difference. She ended up in a full-color world where her presence made those around her better than they were before they met her. Everyone who met her loved her for her kindness, her intelligence, her giving. She was no super-mom; she had her flaws and her down days, but in the scheme of the world, she was a plus more than a minus, more sunshine than rain. We little storms, upon reflection, wish we had been even a bit more towards her as she struggled to be towards us. Her children love and miss her; her grandchildren have lost their guiding light, so much more as a grandmother than as a mother. She had perfected her craft of fifty years, finally, finally. We wonder what a great great-grandmother she would have been had she seen her littlest ones grown a few more years. The world says goodbye to one of its better angels. We cherish the old times, the forgotten times. The step slows a bit, the eye tears up. Our smiles meld with grimaces of pain for having known and then lost her. Her heart has touched the many but held dear only we few. Marlene is survived by one daughter, Erin O'Brien Beaver and her husband Larry of Elverson, PA; five sons, Michael O'Brien of Glen Ridge, NJ, Christopher O'Brien of Philadelphia, PA, Gregory O'Brien and his wife Marchell of Nashville, TN, Daniel O'Brien and his wife Joyce of West Grove, PA and Terrence O'Brien and his wife Cathrine of Cape May, NJ; one sister, Carolyn Cowan and her husband Henry of DuBois, PA, eighteen grandchildren and one great grandchild and four step children. She was predeceased by one brother, Patrick Ross and two sisters, Shirley Gerg and Beverly Mazzafero. You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 10:00 to 10:45 on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, 2020 Chestnut Hill Road, Mohnton, PA. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00. Burial will be private. In memory of Marlene, a contribution may be made to the charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com Arrangements by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Kennett Square, PA (Phone: 610-444-4116)