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Ariel Thomas Obituary
She went west for school, graduating from Mills College in 1963 then heading to the University of Virginia for her master's degree.
After some experimenting (teaching English, au pairing in Sweden), Ariel landed back at her beloved alma mater, Mills, where she spent the next 31 years working as a writer, editor, photographer and designer for the Alumnae Association and later College Relations. Ariel was a big believer in the power and necessity of women's colleges, especially Mills, and getting to use her many talents in service of that passion was her absolute dream job. Ariel was also an insatiable reader, hand squeezer, gift giver, trivia knower, rubber dog nose wearer, smiler, laugher and collector (recipes, ceramic pigs, lifelong friends). The world is far less funny, warm and interesting without her.
Ariel is predeceased by her favorite sister, Cordy Benezet, and leaves behind her loving husband, Frank Lawrence (and his daughters Julie Arrow and Sara Lawrence), daughter Evany Thomas (and her husband, Marco Baroz, and son, Desi), brothers Chris and Jon Eaton (and his wife, Joy), and first husband, Dan Thomas (and his current wife, Pat Loomis), who all miss her dearly and truly loved her a bushel and a peck.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mills College or the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ariel Thomas
5 Entries
Thomas Pitre
August 24, 2019
I will remember Ariel as a fun-loving, bright, smiling LADY who was married to a best friend. Bless you, Ariel. Rest in Peace.
July 3, 2019
I am sorry to know that Ariel is no longer among us. I feel certain she is somewhere where her spirit floats free and her creativity flows . I still have some of her poetry from high school years and I remain an admirer of her intellect and her ability to distill her knowledge into wonderfully easy to read synopses. She was a good friend capable of deep feeling as well as the lightness of her Shakespearian fairy namesake. Ariel, you are missed.
Linnea Riley
Daphne Muse
June 30, 2019
She was a cherished colleague of mine at Mills and so supportive of my work. Many of the events I produced while serving on the faculty were documented by her. We shared a love of the quail who strutted across campus with their babies in tow and there always was something so comforting about her presence. Ariel was smart and one of the most compassionate people I'd ever met. During my next season of planting, I will do so in her name. Holding her daughter Alissa in my heart.
Daphne Muse
Writer, Cultural Broker and Seasoned Elder
Karen Murphy
March 7, 2019
I grew up with Ariel in Glen Ellyn Illinois. Her mom was a friend of the hermit, who lived in the fields across from their family home. The hermit used to bring her mom fresh wild asparagus and strawberries. Ariel and I used to rollerskate together to our grade school. One time Ariel brought something like a caterpillar to share with her class when she tripped and fell just outside the school. The glass jar broke, of course, causing Ariel to bleed horrendously; I think she may have cut an artery. It was my pleasure to discover that Ariel and her first husband were living in the Bay Area near my first husband and me! Years later, I visited Ariel at Mills College while I was visiting in the area. Wearing a long white dress, she seemed to float across the main office to greet me. I have thought of Ariel so many times over the years.
March 7, 2019
May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead Psalms 119:76
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Memorial Events
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