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BORN
1931
DIED
2023
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Doris Thomas Obituary
Born: May 9, 1931 in Pontpridd, Wales
Died: October 25, 2023 in Ottawa, IL
Doris Elvira Thomas, 92, of Marseilles, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at The Pavilion of Ottawa.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Marseilles.
Doris was born on May 9, 1931, in Pontypridd, Wales, to William and Doris (Jenkins) Lewis. In 1954, she married Robert Thomas Sr. who preceded her in death in 1993.
She held various jobs in the area. She loved her cooking and baking, and she was famous for her Christmas cookies. On April 27, 1987, she was the first heart transplant recipient at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL, and was the longest living heart transplant survivor in the world.
She is survived by her children, Robert (Gina) Thomas, Kim (Ronnie) Kesner, Jackie Spencer, Brian (Sandy) Thomas, and Tanya Gentile; nine grandchildren, Maggi Condon, Shayla Woodin, Dustin Spencer, Brennan Thomas, Adrian Fuchs, Travis Thomas, and Aithen, Timber, and Taryn Gentile; eight great-grandchildren, and one sister, Lynn Harvey of Wales.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Joan Tio, Brenda Champion, and Beth Berry; and two sons-in-law, Jim Gentile and Rod Spencer.
Memorial gifts may be directed to American Heart Association of Peoria.
Her grandchildren will be pallbearers.
Seals-Campbell Funeral Home
1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341
815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Doris Thomas
Sponsored by Seals-Campbell Funeral Home.
2 Entries
American Heart Association
October 31, 2023
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Bill and Lil Kuiper
October 28, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Memorial Events
for Doris Thomas
Oct
28
Funeral services provided by:
Seals-Campbell Funeral Home1009 East Bluff Street, Marseilles, IL 61341
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