Marie Thomas

Marie Therese Thomas, 75, of Cary passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2024 after a long illness. She was born on June 3, 1949 in Chicago, IL to Robert and Rosemary Holbach.

Marie’s love of libraries began at the age of 5 when her father took her to the Independence Branch of the Chicago Public Library and helped her apply for her first library card. 11 years later, at the tender age of 16, Marie met Jerry Thomas while both were part-time employees of the Portage Park Branch of the CPL. Their shared passion for books blossomed into a lifelong partnership. On October 13, 1973, they exchanged marriage vows at Our Lady of Pompeii, the parish in Chicago where Marie taught primary school.

Marie continued her studies in the evenings, earning her Master's Degree in Library Science (MALS) from Dominican University in 1980. She joined the Barrington Area Library in 1979, where she worked for 35 years, first as a Reference Librarian and later serving as the Head of Circulation Services. During this time, she also served as President of the Reference Librarians Association (RLA) for 6 years. In 1995, the North Suburban Library System (NSLS) honored her as the Librarian of the Year. Marie retired from the BAL in 2014, with the title of Facilities Manager. She was always proud of her career in library service and felt that she made a difference.

Marie and Jerry, who have celebrated 50 years of marriage, have had their lives blessed with 2 children and 5 grandchildren. 

Besides her devoted husband, Marie is survived by children, Matthew (Leanne) Thomas and Katherine (Kristopher) Deutmeyer; grandchildren: Annie, Simon, Elliot, Greta and Tillie; father, Robert; siblings, Barbara, Robert, James, Michael and Richard; and by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosemary.

Visitation will be Friday, June 7, 2024 from 9 AM until the funeral mass at 11 AM at Saint Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela St. (Corner of Franklin and Ela Sts.), Barrington, IL 60010. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (https://www.cabrininationalshrine.org/methods-of-giving) or the Barrington Area Library (https://www.balibrary.org/make-a-donation). Or get yourself a pair of fun socks in Marie's honor!