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Thomas Shoesmith Obituary

Thomas P. Shoesmith died of cancer at home in Springfield, Va., on Thursday, April 26.

Ambassador Shoesmith graduated from Stroudsburg High School in 1939. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1943, and after five years in the U.S. Army, received a master's degree from Harvard. In 1950, he began his government career in Washington, D.C. In 1955, he was inducted into the State Department Foreign Service and in the following 32 years served in Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. He was appointed ambassador to Malaysia in 1983 and served there until his retirement in 1987. He remained active in the Japan America Society in Washington, D.C., and served as its president for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Houser Shoesmith; a son, Tom of Shanghai; a daughter, Jo of Harpers Ferry, W. Va.; and grandchildren, Julia and Michael of Shanghai.

Ambassador Shoesmith's father was a rector of Christ Episcopal Church from 1927 until his retirement in 1956.

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

Published by Pocono Record on May 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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1 Entry

May 9, 2007

Martha,

I am sorry to read of Tommy's death. We've been out of touch for so long I didn't know where to send a card but I wanted to let you know I was thinking of you.

Mom is often in Mary's and my thoughts, we miss her still, such a kind and loving person. How lucky we were. We see Gladys out walking Zackary. She continues to be well.

I have remarried and presently live in Hatboro, PA and will soon be moving permanently to our home in Brunswick GA. My address here in Hatboro is 46 Fairview Ave.

I hope this note finds you well. Please extend my sympathies to Jo and Twm.

With love,

Margie Smith

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