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BORN
1932
DIED
2011
Sylvia Thomas Obituary
Sylvia Lee Thomas went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, July 28, 2011.
She passed peacefully after a brief illness with her loving family by her side. Sylvia Adams (named Sylver at birth) was born on April 8, 1932, to Curtis Adams and Helen Robinson in Lake Charles, La. After a long courtship, she married Matthew Thomas on Sept. 7, 1952, and soon they began a life of travel and adventure during Matt's 25-year career in the United States Air Force. This journey ultimately brought the family to Oxnard in 1967 where they continued to raise their eight children in the knowledge and ways of the Lord.
She was blessed to witness the birth of nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. While raising her children, she worked as an instructional aide for the Oxnard School District, retiring in 1986.
She was an outstanding aide, admired by her students and colleagues. As a longtime parishioner of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, she was a member of the choir and would often sing on Sunday afternoons, along with her husband in local convalescent homes. Sylvia Thomas will be remembered as a beautiful, caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved the Lord, her family, old TV Westerns, sewing, crocheting and the Lakers. She will be tremendously missed by the many, many people whose lives she touched.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Betty Chavis of Deritter, La. She is survived by her loving husband, Matthew of Oxnard, and her children: Gary of San Diego, Mary of Oxnard, Daniel of Los Angeles, Julie (Tim) Murray of Oxnard, Pete of Oxnard, Kathy of Ventura, Brian of Oxnard and Paula McCowan of Ventura. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Christopher (Nikole), Andrea, Colleen, Greg, Claire, Vincent, Matthew, Adli and Aliyah, and her great-grandchildren: Arianna, Serenity, Cyanah, Izaiah, Cyriah, Saron and Donovan, as well as a long list of nieces and nephews.
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE FOR ROSARY: Rosary services will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, at Reardon Funeral Home in Oxnard. The Memorial Mass will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, at St. Anthony's, 2421 C Street. Burial will take place at Santa Clara Cemetery following the mass, which will conclude with a repast at St. Anthony's Reception Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. John's Hospital of Oxnard that provided such outstanding care for Sylvia in her final days. Arrangements are made under the direction of Reardon Mortuary in Oxnard.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Thomas
brian d. thomas
April 8, 2025
like sleep as time goes by days like this awaken memories and love for mama.
Thomas Thompson
August 11, 2011
Matt, Love and prayers to you and your family on the loss of your matriarch. The deep faith exhibited by your family will surely provide you some comfort, though the loss will be intense. God be with you always.
Tom Thompson
Macy & Nellie Salazar
August 7, 2011
Dear SK Matt Thomas and Family
Our deepest of condolences in this time of sorrow. It is with our faith in Our Lord that Sylvia is smiling upon us. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your beautiful family.
SK Macedonio and Nellie Salazar and Family
Ginger Saragosa
August 6, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathy during this time of your loving Mother and Grandmother's passing.
August 6, 2011
Dearest Matt Thomas & family: So sorry to hear of Sylvia's passing. We had many great conversations about family or current events, when we would see each other at Knights of Columbus functions. So sorry that we will not attend her services but we shall keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Your brother Knight "Bob Perez" and Stella.
Banning, Ca.
Sonya Grimball
August 5, 2011
Mr. Thomas & Family: The Grimball family sends their deepest sympathy to you and your family. We grew up with you all on Juniper Street and your family became our extended Juniper Street Family. We had many great times, play time, water balloon fights and most of all, great memories that will never be forgotten. You opened your home to us when our parents went away; thank you for allowing us in and for sharing your wonderful wife and mother with us, she will truly be missed.
Sonya Grimball on behalf of the Grimball Family
Machelle Galvan
August 5, 2011
On behalf of my late Grandma Lupe Rodriguez ,We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our families will cherish the memories of the times we spent together. We are with you during this time of grief.
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.My God Bless you all.
August 5, 2011
Thomas family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mrs. Thomas was a sweet, kind, and Godly woman. I know she is with Jesus basking in His presence. Remember all the lives she touched with her sweet gentle presence. My God give you comfort and peace. Donna Kirkland, San Diego, CA
Lisa Esparza
August 5, 2011
Brian & Family,
We are very sorry for your loss.
May the Lord continue to embrace you with his love during this difficult time. God Bless you always.
Virginia Stephens
August 5, 2011
Dear Matt and Family,
I will miss Sylvia very much, she always asked how I was doing and we had fun talking about the grand children. The Knights of Columbus events that we attended were always so much fun!!!
Sylvia is in heaven with Jerry now and they are now praying for us.
Love and Prayers,
Virginia Stephens
PGK NICK DELGADO
August 5, 2011
PGK MATT THOMAS AND FAMILY,
I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY CONDOLENCE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. SYLVIA WAS A BEAUTYFUL LADY AND VERY RESPECTFUL I WILL MISS SYLVIA .TILL WE MEET AGAIN .
BRIAN, TAKE CARE STAY STRONG, I KNOW HOW YOU FILL GOD BLESS YOUR WHOLE ENTIRE FAMILY.
PGK NICK DELGADO
Debra Castella (Rodriguez)
August 5, 2011
Dear Mr. Thomas and family,my sincere condolences for the loss of a beautiful, kind soul. I fondly remember Mrs. Thomas as a child growing up as neighbors. Her warm nature and comforting voice made everyone feel at home in her presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Cheryl Christmas
August 4, 2011
No time on earth is long enough
to share with those we love
or to prepare our hearts for good-bye.
May time soften the pain
until all that remains
is the comfort
of memories and love.
The Christmas Family
Dolores, Cheryl, Vincyntha, Vincent Lance and Chandra
August 4, 2011
Dear Matt,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
With sympathy,
Lou Kreuzer
August 4, 2011
Dear Matt and Thomas family our prayers and sincere condolences to you all.
God Bless,
SK Gerry & Mary Lopez
john flynn
August 4, 2011
To Matt Thomas and family-My sorrow and prayers are extended to you. I know this is a difficult time for you. The Lord will care for your wife and mother. John Flynn
August 3, 2011
Paula, you got your beauty and grace from your mom. What a blessing! We pray you and Vince and your entire family will be continually comforted by the Lord in the season ahead. With love, Anthony and Jennifer Hales
Geri Rodriguez
August 3, 2011
Mr.Thomas & Family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Thomas. I remember her kindness, the softness of her voice. Very special lady. We grew up next to the Thomas family. I remember when the family first moved into their house on Juniper street. My mom and I also had a wonderful visit with Mr & Mrs Thomas sometime last year. After many years, I had a chance to talk with Mrs. Thomas, remembering her children and what they are doing now. She was so proud of all her children and their accomplishments and talked proudly of her grandchildren. I know she will be missed dearly. May God Bless all of you during this difficult time, our thought and prayers are with you all.
Jeff & Janice Meyer
August 2, 2011
Julie,
I just passed thru the obits and noticed a gorgeous woman with a beautiful smile and a beam of life in her expression and I immediately thought of you. I didn’t want to inquire, but when I saw the name Thomas I was paralyzed. The last time I met your parents was at the Camarillo Street Fair, where your Son was performing. It was a pleasure to meet your folks again.
Our prayers are with you and Tim and your Family during this difficult time. To relieve the grief I try to look at it this way…. Our Loved ones beat us to Eternal Life in the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father, where everyone will finally meet and rejoice forever. That is the part to look forward to and ease the sorrow in your Heart. You’ll always have the memories to cherish! May God bless you and Tim and your Family! I'm sorry that we won't be able to attend in her celebration of life on account that we will be out of the state.
August 2, 2011
Matt and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Richard, Maria Herrera & Family
Marta Rodriguez
August 2, 2011
Julie-
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing.
We are praying for you and your family.
Marti and Maggie
August 2, 2011
Mary and family
Sorry to have read that your mother passed. You and your family are in our prayers.
With Sympathy
Dan and Quinne Walsh
August 1, 2011
We tHE Kirkland's and Poindexter's send our heart felt sympathy in the passing of Sylvia Lee Thomas. Our only regret is that we can not attend the services. Not having known her personally, but by her fruit, we share in her memmroy.
God Bless and keep you, knowing we shall all meet, one day.
Sincerely,
The Kirkland's and The Poindexter families
Pittsburgh, PA
Julia Blanco
August 1, 2011
Matt and Family, May God give you comfort and strength during this time. May your lovely wife Rest in Peace. Blessing to all.
christine Portillo
August 1, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
August 1, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Alice Harvey
ray de la Torre
August 1, 2011
To Matt and all the family We send our deepest condolences.. Sylvia was a Saint.. She will be missed very much..
Ray and Amparo de la Torre
August 1, 2011
August 1,2011
My condolences to the Thomas family.
May the love of God surround you
during this time of sorrow.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy,
Carrie Brown Thomas
Tom Cody
July 31, 2011
My condolences to the Thomas family. I had the privilege of going to school with Julie and knew some of her siblings. It is thru them that I knew of and experienced the character, faith and kindness their parents raised and instilled in them. You did your job well Mrs. Thomas. Rest in Peace.
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