Velma Thomas

Velma Thomas, age 53, of Old Saybrook passed away November 30, 2013 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford after a short illness. She was born in New London, CT on June 20, 1960 the beloved daughter of Sylvester and Rosie M. Thomas Sr. of Old Saybrook.

Velma was 1978 graduate of Old Saybrook High School, and also a 1982 graduate of UMASS with a degree in interior design, and a influential member of the A.S.I.D. She was first elected to the Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen

in 1999, and served five terms in that position. During her ten year tenure she was influential in modernizing the town's infrastructure, which included the firehouse, the Pavilion, the Acton Public Library, the town hall park and recreation center, the Estuary building center and the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. She also was a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission for nine years. She was also very active as a mentor in the middle school.

Old Saybrook has lost a community servant, leader and good friend.

Besides her parents, she is survived by her brother, Sylvester Thomas Jr and his wife Tanya and their children Autumn, Bryce and Sterling Thomas of Florida. Velma is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 6, 2013 at 11 am at the Grace Episcopal Church, Main Street, Old Saybrook. There are no calling hours. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Old Saybrook. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Velma Thomas Scholarship Fund, c/o Essex Savings Bank, Main Street, Old Saybrook.

Swan Funeral Home Old Saybrook are entrusted with the arrangements, please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com for tributes and condolences.