Golda Thomas

Golda Vivian “Pat” (Marrical) Thomas died peacefully surrounded by her family in Petoskey, Michigan on December 26, 2018. She was 95 years old.  Vivian was born on May 3, 1923 in Thayer, West Virginia. She was the daughter of Nicholas Elsworth and Blanche Marrical.  Vivian is survived by her sister Patti Sindt of mission Viejo, California and two very devoted sons Donald  H. Thomas and wife Susan residing in Millersville, MD  and David F. Thomas and  wife Carol residing in Petoskey, Michigan.  Vivian was a loving wife for 71 years; admired and respected as a mother and homemaker. She was a grandmother of six: Brian Thomas, Michael Thomas, Jennifer Thomas, Patrick Rosko, Kimberly Thomas -Roenigk, and Justin Thomas.  Equally proud, a great-grandmother of twelve and recently blessed with a great-great granddaughter.  Vivian was the family’s treasured gift of wisdom and matriarch of five generations. She has always been a guiding role model and anchor that provided stability along with a sense of identity to each and every family member.

At age 16 she moved to Baltimore, MD to work in the Fairfield Shipyards at Liberty Ship in Baltimore.  During World War II her skills at ship fitting became notable with her detail and precision as a welder, receiving multiple top awards as one of the 6 top Rosie the Riveter’s. While welding away it was there that she became engaged to Harry L. Thomas on December 25, 1943 and then married him on April 22, 1944 in Brooklyn, MD. Together they participated in setting sail the first Liberty Ship with their American pride referenced by Tom Brokaw as the greatest generation.

She worked many jobs thereafter in Baltimore but her favorite career path was that of a beautician for years thereafter.  Vivian graduated July 2, 1962 from the Maryland Academy of Cosmetology on Chares Street, Baltimore. She was a longtime member of Marley United Methodist Church as well as the Eastern Star Arundel Chapter # 80 in Glen Burnie, MD. Her 35 plus years of retirement were spent in Zephyrhills, FL during late fall and winters; she spent her spring and summers in Barton, Maryland.

Vivian was an avid reader and loved going to yard sales on any given day of the week.  Throughout her life she made many friends even adopting the name as Grandma to children of all ages.  Until just recently she had managed to stay in touch with them throughout her years. Her life was well lived, full of giving to loved ones and supporting others. Vivian’s patriotism and love for America will remain a major part of her legacy

Vivian is preceded in death by her husband Harry L. Thomas and infant son  Darryl Keith at birth also, her Marrical  siblings  Forrest ,John, Wilburn, Garlene and Peggy.

Visitation of family and friends will be received at the Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., 8 East Main St, Lonaconing, MD on Friday the 4 ^th of January from 6-8 PM. A memorial service will be held by the Eastern Star Western Maryland Chapter at 11:00 AM at the funeral home Saturday the 5 ^th of January. A funeral service will follow at Noon with Deacon Harold Bradley officiating. Interment will be held at the Laurel Hill Cemetery, Moscow Mills.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army www.salvationarmyusa.org.