Mary Catherine Fichtel Thomas, 92, of Morganton, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023.
Born in Aurora, IL on April 1, 1930, she is the daughter of the late Christian Fichtel and Leona Schratz Fichtel. Mary was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and loved her church and church family. Mrs. Thomas was a graduate of Sacred Heart School of Nursing in South Dakota. She then worked at the Herrick House in Barlett, IL with chronically ill children. The Herrick House was where she met the love of her life, Jim Thomas, when he was working there as a medical student. They were married for 67 years and he rarely left her side.
Mary enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, and listening to music. She also enjoyed gardening and was a member of a garden club. An experienced traveler, she traveled all of the United States and Europe and enjoyed numerous cruises. Mary also enjoyed playing bridge and entertaining guests.
Mrs. Thomas is survived by her husband, Dr. James Thomas; children, James Thomas (Irina), Joseph Thomas (Catherine), Amy Price, Julie Alexander (Byron), Mary Thomas (Lisa), Michael Thomas (Vickie), Matthew Thomas (Becky), and Jennifer Taylor (Nathan); grandchildren, Katie, Sarah, Natasha, Kaylee, Frank, Hank, Grant, Adam, Jennifer, Carrie, Brayden, Ben, Drew, Mary Helen, and Kyle; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her siblings, Arlene Shoemaker and Wayne Fichtel.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023 in Murray Hall of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will follow at noon in the church with Rev. Kenneth Whittington officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 W. Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Dear Thomas Family, I have thought of your family and especially, Mary. She was a very special lady❤️ I am blessed she was in my life. We enjoyed playing bridge together and our sons playing together many years ago. So blessed. Prayers for you all.🙏❤️❤️
Uncle Jim and cousins - sending our heartfelt sympathy and prayers on the passing of Aunt Mary. May God comfort you all at this sad time.
Blessings to the family during this time. Prayer's uplifted your way.
Thomas family, I send each of you my love, and saying many prayers as you deal with your loss. Dr. Thomas, my children adored you as their doctor and especially my son, now Dr. Jay Golding.
My sincere condolences to the Thomas family. May God bless each of you during this most difficult time in your lives.
Jim, we are much saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. We know she was the brightest star in your sky. We are praying for God’s comfort for you and all your family. As we so often have said, Call anytime, John & Nancy