In Memory of
Cynthia
Thomas
Thomas
1921 - 2017
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Strong-Hancock Funeral Home
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
View full message >>>
Obituary for Cynthia Thomas
Cynthia H. Thomas, 95, of Damariscotta, Maine, passed away on the morning of March 4, 2017 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland, from complications of an aneurysm. Her sons, granddaughter Megan, and niece Patience were with her until the end.
Cynthia was the devoted wife for 59 years of Charles Edward "Chuck" Thomas, who died in 2010. She was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, to Maurice and Ida Leland. Cynthia was educated at Natick High School, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Wellesley College in 1943. During the war, she worked at Standard Oil developing advanced aviation fuel. From 1950 to 1969, she served as the personal assistant to Dr. Miriam Van Waters, a leading women's' rights advocate and penal reformer.
She worked for the Massachusetts Audubon Society from 1969 to 1987. She was appointed the first female director of an Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, the Stony Brook Nature Reserve, in Norfolk, Massachusetts. As director, Cynthia developed a range of innovative environmental and community outreach programs. She also played a key role in developing legislation and leading citizen initiatives to improve water quality, protect wetlands, and ban harmful pesticides in Massachusetts. In 1979, she received a major award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for her work on the Massachusetts clean water legislation.
Cynthia was an avid bird watcher, organic gardener, reader, bridge and mah-jong player, and devotee of crossword puzzles and acrostics. She also attended the Midcoast Friends Quaker Meetinghouse. She and Chuck loved their retirement in Damariscotta and their many wonderful friends in Maine.
Cynthia is survived by her sons, Dr. David Thomas, Stephen Thomas, Charles Thomas, and Jonathan Thomas; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00pm, on Saturday April 8 at the Midcoast Friend Meetinghouse, 77 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta, ME.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.
Cynthia was the devoted wife for 59 years of Charles Edward "Chuck" Thomas, who died in 2010. She was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, to Maurice and Ida Leland. Cynthia was educated at Natick High School, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Wellesley College in 1943. During the war, she worked at Standard Oil developing advanced aviation fuel. From 1950 to 1969, she served as the personal assistant to Dr. Miriam Van Waters, a leading women's' rights advocate and penal reformer.
She worked for the Massachusetts Audubon Society from 1969 to 1987. She was appointed the first female director of an Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, the Stony Brook Nature Reserve, in Norfolk, Massachusetts. As director, Cynthia developed a range of innovative environmental and community outreach programs. She also played a key role in developing legislation and leading citizen initiatives to improve water quality, protect wetlands, and ban harmful pesticides in Massachusetts. In 1979, she received a major award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for her work on the Massachusetts clean water legislation.
Cynthia was an avid bird watcher, organic gardener, reader, bridge and mah-jong player, and devotee of crossword puzzles and acrostics. She also attended the Midcoast Friends Quaker Meetinghouse. She and Chuck loved their retirement in Damariscotta and their many wonderful friends in Maine.
Cynthia is survived by her sons, Dr. David Thomas, Stephen Thomas, Charles Thomas, and Jonathan Thomas; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00pm, on Saturday April 8 at the Midcoast Friend Meetinghouse, 77 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta, ME.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.
Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Cynthia Thomas, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.