Katharina Thomas (Kathy), 84, of Sanford passed away surrounded by family on Saturday February 7, 2026. Private family services are to be held at a later date in Rochester, NY.
Katharina was born a daughter of the late Philipp and Katharina Dondorfer. Kathy was born in Ukraine and fled to Austria and then migrated to NY where she raised her family. She loved God, people, gardening, flowers and singing. Her most treasured roles were being a mother, grandmother, and peacemaker. She loved being with family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Klemens Leskovics and second husband, Harold Thomas.
She is survived by her children Susan Freidl, Karl Leskovics and Lisa Swink (Timothy); grandchildren Timothy Friedl, Daniel Friedl, Joseph Day, Alissa Leskovics, Jacob Swink (Rachel), Amanda Auler (Nathanael), and Emily Swink.; 9 great-grandchildren; and her beloved cats Bagheera and Baloo.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
509 Carthage Street, Sanford, NC 27330
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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