Sharyl L. Thomas

Sharyl L. Thomas, age 73, passed away after battling a short illness on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

Born on May 27, 1950 in Rochester, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Lorraine (Debadts) Eastland and sister of Darlene Eastland (predeceased) and Rhonda Eastland of Rochester, NY.

Family was at the center of Sharyl's world, and she was a pillar of strength and support for her loved ones, including her children, who credit her sacrifices for giving them a fantastic upbringing. She is survived by her children, Elaine Royse of Largo, FL, Jason (Joanne) Thomas of Garden City, NY and Stephen (Alyssa) Thomas of Medina; grandchildren, Bonnie Stewart of Hahira, GA, Julia, Analynn, Grant Thomas, Roen and Margot Thomas; and great-grandchildren, Finely, Lilah, and Ollie Stewart; nephew, Nathan Eastland of Breckenridge, CO and niece, Jennifer (Ryan) Shroeck of Queensbury, NY. Sharyl was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Ronald L. Thomas; and her grandson, Nolin Mac Thomas.  

Sharyl lived a life filled with love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. In 1977, Sharyl and her late husband, Ronald L. Thomas, moved to Medina to start and raise their family. Through the last 46 years, Sharyl greatly impacted the Medina community, including raising her two sons, helping operate Thomas Tire, and making many great friends along the way.

Outside of family, Sharyl's life’s work was her 35+ years working for and with her second family at the ARC of Orleans County. In addition to winning multiple awards for her work, her connections with coworkers and clients at the ARC have been genuinely impactful and involve relationships that span decades. Even in her final days, she made it clear to anyone who would listen that she loved her job and thought she would work there forever.  

Sharyl epitomized what it meant to give more in your life than you take, and her happy demeanor rewarded her generosity in this regard, along with having family and friends who truly loved her. Her family holds close to the life lessons she has given us throughout the years, and we hope to replicate her generosity as we move forward.  

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For those who would like to pay their respects to Sharyl, her family invites you to join them at a celebration of Sharyl's life, which will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from *11 am-2 pm at the Knights of Columbus, 418 Main St., Medina.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Orleans www.hospiceoforleans.org or to Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, PO Box 684, Medina, NY 14103 or  www.knightskaderli.blogspot.com. Final arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.