Josephine F. Thomas

Josephine Fay Thomas (nee McAdams) passed peacefully at sunset on October 11, 2025. She was surrounded by her children and family.
Jo, as most people knew her, was born on February 3, 1952 in Walton, NY. Although her family moved often, she called the Chicago suburbs her home for the majority of her life. She graduated from James B. Conant High School and later earned her Associates Degree from Elgin Community College, where she participated in the speech team, after having her children.
Jo had a variety of jobs in her life, notably working for Sara Lee and Kohl's Department store for many years. She was always a role model of a strong work ethic and responsibility. She was loved for her gentle demeanor, great sense of humor, and devotion to her family.
Jo loved decorating for every single holiday and celebrating with family. She loved taking road trips to visit friends and traveling with her sisters; even making it abroad after dreaming about visiting the UK for many years. She loved animals, with a special affinity for cats, which she had many in her life. She was an expert seamstress, making her sister's wedding dresses and clothing for her children for special events and Halloween costumes. She enjoyed listening to a wide range of music, even playing drums in her youth.
Her parents were Florence and Emory Alexander. She is the beloved mother to Sean and Megan Thomas and cherished sister to Patricia Fischer, Pamela Alexander, and Phyllis Benson. She is the devoted grandmother to Jackson Carver and Maxwell Rebsom. And treasured aunt to her nieces and nephews. Her primary focus was supporting and celebrating her family and friends. We will all miss her deeply.