Sarah

From the Gloucester Daily times, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010: GLOUCESTER — Sarah G. (George) Thomas, 83 wife of the late Louis P. Thomas, of Gloucester, died on Saturday evening, Feb. 13, 2010, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Gloucester on March 6, 1926, daughter of Joseph U. and Hassnie (Simon) George. Mrs. Thomas was a graduate of Gloucester High School, Class of 1944 and a graduate of Boston University, Class of 1949. She was the founder in 1966 of Cape Ann Secretarial Service. Sarah was a former member and past president of the Gloucester Business and Professional Women's Club, a member of the Gloucester League of Women Voters, the Gloucester Civic and Garden Club and served on the St. Ann's Church Parish Council for many years. Sarah, who was lovingly known as "Bumma," is survived by her adoring family, Laura, Sandy, Sarah-west and Alex Ritchie of Gloucester; her two sisters, Helen Alto and Rose Hindy of Gloucester; and her brother Dr. William George of Western Connecticut. She was a loving mother, grandmother, godmother, sister, aunt, friend and mentor to many. Sarah loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed cruising down the Annisquam River on Bumma's Barge, hiking up in the green mountains of Vermont, laying on the beaches of St. John, or simply sitting on her "party-o" (patio) with friends and family. The last two weeks of her life, she enjoyed candle lit gatherings surrounded by family with her favorite songs played on the violin, piano, and guitar by her bedside. As she passed on to her next journey, an ear to ear smile appeared across her face. She was truly an amazing strong-willed woman who passed judgment on no one. Sarah was a loving, kind-hearted soul whose door and heart were always open to anyone in need. A special thank you to the nieces and nephews and dear friends (you know who you are) whose constant presence and help during the last month made her passing a beautiful celebration in which she was the guest of honor. She left a note saying "You have my permission to grieve, but do not drag it out! Get on with the celebration of life and live it to the hilt. Good and bad." She was a gift to all of us and will be deeply missed. (ARRANGEMENTS: There will be a Mass held in her honor at St. Ann's Church on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to one of Sarah's preferred causes: Haiti Projects Inc., 31 Leonard St., Gloucester, MA 01930 USA, or www.haitiprojects.org or VNA Care Network & Hospice u Development Office D, 5 Federal St., Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements are being made by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester. Online condolences may be given atwww.greelyfuneralhome.com.)