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Maxine Thomas Obituary

Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Hazel Herbert. Maxine is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Vice Admiral (ret'd) Chuck Thomas, daughters Megan and Jody (Curtis Coates) sisters-in-law Lahni Thompson (Graham) Linda Larson (Robert) and her beloved and precious grandchildren Samantha and Andrew Coates.

Raised in Victoria, she was an academic prodigy, graduating from Queens University in Kingston at age 19. A career in math and research lay ahead when she married an ambitious young Naval officer and moved to England. Travels around the world and multiple moves followed in her life as a navy wife, always juggling busy kids, multiple Airedales, and a couple of cats. She always made it look easy. Together they were a formidable team and set an example for us all of what love and respect look like.

Unique in her generation, she was dedicated to her very successful career as a teacher and later in real estate.

Retirement brought them back to her beloved Victoria where time with her mother and Megan were very much enjoyed. She indulged in her passions of gardening and bridge with a little bit of golf with Chuck to add to her fun.

Her last months were made difficult by her illness, however the kindness of so many who supported her will never be forgotten and their generosity of time and friendship can never be repaid.

We are blessed that our family, which is scattered across the continent, was able to be together near the end. Nana spent time in deep discussion with her Sam and her Bear and was comforted in knowing they were healthy and happy adults.

Maxine was brilliant, loving and so very loved.

She was the core of our family, life will be different and sadder without her.

Maxine coped, she managed regardless what was thrown at her. Her illness was no different.

She stood in the wind and when the wind changed she adjusted her sails.

Stoic and brave to the end, she adjusted her sails and taught us to do the same.

She will be profoundly missed.

Due to COVID restrictions no service will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
Published by The Times Colonist from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Maxine Thomas

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25 Entries

ALLEN STEWART

December 19, 2020

I never had the chance to meet Maxine, but over the years we spoke many times on the phone and I always hoped one day we would meet, but just did not happen. My deepest sympathies to you and your family and I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts as you grieve this loss.

Wendall Brown

December 1, 2020

Admiral Thomas, Jody, and Megan
My wife Jean and I extend our sincere condolences to you on the passing of Maxine. Admiral, our Naval careers were closely associated on both coasts and in Ottawa. We met Maxine at at various social and Naval functions and thoroughly enjoyed our interaction with her. It was through her obituary and the comments of those who knew her better that we are now understanding the depth of her talents and personality. Our thoughts are with you as you face this void in your lives.

Most sincerely
Wendall Brown

Ruth D'Hollander

November 22, 2020

Dear Chuck,
I send my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your wonderful Maxine. With memories of happy times at Venture Reunions.

November 21, 2020

"Il y a quelque chose de plus fort que la mort, c'est la présence des absents dans la mémoire des vivants".
Our thoughts are with you. Chuck, Jody and family and Meagan we wish to offer you our most sincere condolence.
Jacques, Éric and Lise Chouinard.

John and Barbara Murray

November 20, 2020

Chuck and family, we are so sorry to learn of the loss of Maxine. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

Mark and Kim Cameron

November 20, 2020

Please accept our most sincerest condolences on the passing of Maxine. It is hoped that you find some comfort in the warm, loving and cherished memories that you share, and the knowledge that after an amazing life, she is resting peacefully. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family during this very difficult time.

Michael Young

November 19, 2020

My sincere condolences to the family.

Heaven Scent

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Bill and Dora Broughton

November 18, 2020

Dear Chuck, Megan and Jody,
Dora and I were very saddened to learn of the loss of your wife and mother, Maxine. We remember her as a wonderful support to you all, and a warm and intelligent woman who took a real interest in many things especially in other people. May your many happy memories be a comfort to you all. Yours aye, Bill and Dora.

Valerie MacIntosh

November 18, 2020

Chuck and family I was so sorry to hear of Maxine passing she was an outstanding navy wife who was as young married naval officers wife was a marvel to behold SincerelyVal MacIntosh and family.

Roy and Marie Craig

November 18, 2020

Sincere Sympathy to you all in the loss of Maxine.
Kind regards,
Marie and Roy

Marie Thomas (Cameron)

November 18, 2020

I never knew her as we both traveled the globe. Met her a couple of times when I was younger but my dad (Blake)often spoke of her and Chuck. Condolences to the family for your loss

Barry & Patricia Burgess

November 18, 2020

Chuck & Family; Barry & Patricia send our condolences on the passing of our dear friend Maxine. Patricia's memories of Maxine go back to their time together at St Anne's Academy. We enjoyed our time together with you (Chuck) & Maxine at the many Venture reunions that we were both able to attend. Rest in Peace Maxine. - Barry & Patricia Burgess

Ken Rowan

November 18, 2020

A wonderful and talented lady! She will be sorely missed!

Gail and Larry Ashley

November 18, 2020

Dear Chuck, Megan and Jody,
Larry and I are saddened to hear of Maxine's passing. We have such fond memories of our time together on the east coast and in Ottawa. I particularly cherish our time together teaching at Admiral Westphal Junior High in Dartmouth with Dorothy Lawrence. Dorothy aged 98 joins us today in extending these sincere condolences.
Gail and Larry Ashley

Neal Harrington

November 17, 2020

Vice Admiral Thomas and Family: Patricia and I are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences .
Neal and
Pat Harrington

John Truran

November 17, 2020

My condolences to Admiral Thomas and family on the loss of a fine lady.

Pascale Chouinard

November 17, 2020

Admiral Thomas and beloved friends,
Paul and I are deeply saddened by your loss. Mrs Thomas was to both of us a safe harbour of guidance, friendship and love. So many beautiful memories will cherished in our hearts.
We send you all our love during these difficult times.
Paul Poirier and Pascale Chouinard

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Verna L Wilson

Planted Trees

Simon Hughes

November 17, 2020

My condolences to the family.

Duncan/Dusty and Ann Miller

November 17, 2020

It was a pleasure to get to know Maxine in Halifax,Victoria and Ottawa . We benefited from her Real Estate expertise and her down to earth nature. We know you are so proud of your girls.We send all our love and wishes to you all as you tackle life without her.

Michael and Catherine Craven

November 17, 2020

Our condolences to the Thomas family at this sad time.

Laraine & Robert Orthlieb

November 17, 2020

Admiral Thomas & Family:
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Maxine. May many wonderful memories of her fill your heart and bring you peace. We send our deepest sympathy.

Marta Mulkins, Jeff Zwick

November 17, 2020

Jeff (Buck) and I are so very sad for your loss and hope you are all surrounded by love and support at this difficult time. We know she will be remembered so very fondly.

Dennis Reilley

November 17, 2020

Chuck I'm very saddened for your loss. Maxine always had a smile for everyone. Dennis R.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Memorial Events
for Maxine Thomas

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.