Marie THOMAS

THOMAS, Marie Rudd Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 24, 2025, at the remarkable age of 108. Marie was born in Boston on February 2, 1917. She attended Boston Public Schools, graduating from Girls High School in 1934. She went on to graduate from Bridgewater Teachers College (now Bridgewater State University) in 1938. After a year of teaching in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Marie returned to Boston and married Carroll T. Thomas, Sr. Marie was a founding member of the Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and and an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. In the fifties, Marie returned to work serving as Secretary for John Saunders and Sons Realtors, The Lenox Hotel and later, Grimes and Son Oil Company of Dorchester. She was recognized for her volunteer services to Simon C. Fireman Community by Hebrew Senior Life in 1989 and again in 2011. Marie was an avid knitter whose signature baby blankets and preemie caps are treasured by parents around the world.

Her remarkable 108 years stand as a testament to a life well-lived, rooted in love, faith and family.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Jo-Anne Thomas Vanin (Vanni); daughter-in-law, Christine Thomas; grandchildren, Melissa Backus (Richard), Brian Thomas (Annette), Nino Vanin (Lauren), Francesca Ramirez (Amaury); and great-grandchildren, Connor, Lillianna, Angelia and Tristan Thomas, Leo and Nolan Backus, Marco and Gia Vanin and Amelia and Valentina Ramirez.

She was predeceased by her husband, Carroll Thomas, Sr.; son, Carroll Thomas. Jr.; and granddaughter, Stefania Vanin.

A funeral will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, 11:30 AM, at Forest Hills Cemetery Forsyth Chapel, 95 Forest Hills Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. All are welcome.

Final arrangements by Cartwright Funeral Home, 419 North Main Street, RANDOLPH, MA 02368.

To leave a sympathy message for the family, visit

www.cartwrightfuneral.com