Joanne M. Mollica

JOANNE M. MOLLICA, 74, of Fort Wayne, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007, at her home surrounded by her family. She died from complications caused by Multiple Myeloma after a courageous battle of over two and a half years. Born June 24, 1932, in Kendallville, she was the daughter of the late Carl E. Thomas and Irma M. (Urey) Thomas. She was a graduate of International Business College and in addition to raising her two children, she held various secretarial positions within General Electric Co. and Indiana & Michigan Electric Co. and retired from Parkview Hospital in 1990 after 10 years of service. She was a member of The United Methodist Church of the Covenant and the Agape Sunday School class. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, knitting afghans and making quilts for her family and her church missions. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her faith, humor, strength and independence and the care she shared with others. She was greatly loved and we will surely miss her. Survivors are her husband of almost 52 years, Richard Mollica; son, Thomas R. Mollica of Knoxville, Tenn.; daughter, Lisa K. Gibson of Fort Wayne; and three wonderful grandchildren, Kristin M. and Dustin J. Gibson and Sydney A. Mollica; brother, Paul E. Thomas of Waterloo; and several nieces and a nephew. She was also preceded in death by a brother, J. Dale Thomas. Service 2 p.m. Sunday at United Methodist Church of the Covenant, 10001 Coldwater Road, calling one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Harold Oechsle officiating. Calling also from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Chapel, 1320 E. Dupont Road. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery. Preferred memorials to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Parkview Hospice or United Methodist Church of the Covenant.