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1927 - 2017
1927 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
1927
2017
Irene E. Thomas, 90, of Casselberry, FL passed away on August 20, 2017. She was born to the late John and Anna Karaffa in Allison, PA on February 5, 1927. Irene was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was married to her surviving spouse, Joseph W. Thomas, for 74 years. Irene was a caring and dedicated mother to 4 children. She enjoyed playing Bingo and sharing time with her family. She was a devout Catholic who prayed regularly. Irene will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her.
Irene was preceded in passing by her parents, and her siblings, John Karaffa & Anna Adams Karaffa, Ann Orenick (Emil), Mary Egnot (John), Elizabeth Carter (Charles), and Evelyn Nosehese (Geno).
She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Joseph W. Thomas of Casselberry, FL; children, Susan Thomas of Casselberry, FL, JoAnn T. Pozo (Marty) of Orlando, FL, Joseph W. Thomas (Sherri) of Kodak, TN, and Debra Myers (Ronald) of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Leslie Bradley (Daniel), Janel Saunders (Russell), Kimberly King (Richard), Kristin Dutt (Jeramy), Michael Thomas, and Scott Thomas; and great-grandchildren Matthew, Chloe, Serenity, and Alexandria/Ali.
Visitation Sunday, August 27 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at Baldwin Fairchild East Altamonte, 994 E Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Funeral Mass Monday, August 28 at 11:00 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 375 Sunset Drive North, Casselberry, FL 32707. Interment will follow Mass at All Faiths Memorial Park, Casselberry, FL.
Please leave an online condolence to the family by signing the Guest Book below.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Scott Patrick Thomas
September 1, 2017
Dearest Nana,
I am so sorry. I am so sorry that we never got to say good bye to each other. I can think of nothing else. They tell us that we should not have favorites. Well Nana, my love, you will always be my favorite. I believe in my heart that you felt the same way and that is why this is so hard for me. My entire life you only brought me happiness. Losing you is the first time I have ever truly felt sadness. Nana, you have taken a piece of me into heaven with you. The world will never be the same again. Papa loves you so much, and don't worry, we will all keep an eye on him for you. I know that it must of been so hard the thought of leaving him but rest assured he will never forget you. My heart is broken, but I will try to be strong because i know that is what you would want. The family has never suffered such a great tragedy as when we lost you. I think that it will be hard but I will be kind and greet the world with a smile just like you did. I will do it for you in your loving memory. u are in my heart now and forever and I can't wait to see you again. But for now, My Angel, I Love you always and forever, Your Scotty.
Joe Thomas, Jr.
August 31, 2017
To: Mom.in the blink of an eye
There are only a few things in life that are certain and Top on that list is a Mothers Unconditional Love for her Children. Our Mom without question Love Us no matter what..and I for sure gave her quite a few no matter what's. Being the only son, some say I got away with a lot. This is not trueI only got away with a little..most of the time I got caught. I was also known for turning Moms hair prematurely gray during learning years which started with almost cutting my finger off on a broken glass jar, breaking off a front tooth in bike accident, almost losing my eye in shop class, two football injuries and two knee operation, a car accident on I-95 with all my friends in the car and then joining the Marines at age 17. These are only a few highlights that she had to endure, but She was always there and all supportive.
She was so happy when I got married, I think because she knew someone else can now share the responsibility of looking after her son. Then life happened and we had two sons of our own which means we give her two grandsons of her own. Of course she volunteered to watch the boys more times than I can remember allowing us to take a break. Then as life continued to happen we moved to Georgia and then onto Tennessee. It was great having grandparents in Orlando, the home of Walt Disney, Sea World and Universal. So just about every vacation and holiday we had the coolest of all places to go, says the boys. So we could give Nana and Papa many doses of our boys over the years.
Then, in a blink they are graduating and now we are wondering where the time went and pretty soon you realize you're on the Back 9 of life yourself. I guess this is the circle of life they're always talking about.
Without question our Mom is in Heaven, sitting right beside God and most likely she got her eyes on some boys who look like they may be ready to get into some mischief.
Mom, you have done a great job of rising your kids and grandkids. May You Rest in Peace and keep a spot open for the rest of us, as we will all be coming to see you before you know it.
In just a blink of an eye.
Melinda Simmons
August 27, 2017
To my dear neighbor's, Joe, Irene and Susan
My brother and I moved into Sausalito Shores only 3 and 1/2 years ago. You were the first neighbors we meet and you made us feel welcomed. Irene, you always had a smile and friendly hello whenever we came by. Jasmine (our sweet terrier) always enjoyed coming up to get a sweet hello and from you and Joe. I could tell you were a strong woman with love and caring in your heart. You reminded me so much of my mother and I feel so blessed that my family was lucky enough to know you. You are in a better place now. I know that God is with all of the Thomas family as they mourn your loss and God will give them all the strength they need in the future. God bless.
All our love...Melinda Simmons, Ted Williams and Jasmine
Rosa Pozo Crousillat
August 23, 2017
To JoAnn and Family:
Your mother blessed so many people with her faith and kindness. Praying that you'll find comfort in your memories of her and in the knowledge that others are missing her, too. May God bless you and your family as we mourn her passing with you.
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We Love You, Judy and Sophie
Judy Nielsen
August 23, 2017
Irene we your next door neighbors are really missing you. When you and Joe would sit in the driveway feeding the gray squirrels I would have Sophie there and you would pet her. And when I'd bring the mail to the front door you were there with such a warm smile and greeting. You are pain free now living with angels. Rest In Peace. Love You, Judy and Sophie.
Jeramy Dutt
August 22, 2017
Nana,
Thanks to a wonderful marriage to Kristin I had the honor of knowing you and the family. You were always so funny to talk with and I'll never forget you. I'm so thankful you were able to see Kristin be married, and see our daughter growing up. Know that I love you and you were such an awesome strong woman. You will forever be though of. You were one of the most caring, loving, compassionate women I had the honor to love and know. And when I could make it to family holiday stuff because of work you always made sure lots of food was sent to me. Your awesome and I know you are in Heaven smiling down on everyone. Forever in our hearts..... Love Jeramy Dutt
Kimberly King
August 22, 2017
I love you Nana, I wish I was by your side. You will always be in my heart.
Be free, be strong, be proud of who you have been, know that
you will be mourned and missed, that no one can replace
you, that you have loved and are beloved.
Move beyond form, flowing like water, feeding on sunlight
and moonlight, radiant as the stars in the night sky. Pass
the gates, enter the dark without fear, returning to the
womb of life to steep in the cauldron of rebirth. Rest, heal
grow young again. Be blessed.
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994 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
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