Veronica Malavolti Thomas

Veronica Malavolti Thomas of Lake Mary, FL, died of complications of colon cancer surgery at Advent Health Hospice In-Patient Unit, Altamonte Springs, FL. Veronica was born in Spring Valley, IL, on December 20, 1944, to Nello and F. Virginia (Conn) Malavolti. She was the oldest child of a large family with four siblings. Being the oldest child, Veronica was very helpful to her parents by caring for her younger brothers and sister, growing up on several central Illinois farms. As a teenager, she became an accomplished pianist, playing in many high school programs, recitals, and plays. Veronica loved sports, participated in archery and bowling leagues with her father, and played volleyball on high school teams. As an adult, she was an avid golfer and tennis player, and she continued with her love of music and dance until the end of her life. She was honored to be selected to be an American Field Service exchange student from her hometown high school in the summer of 1962 to France. She returned home in the fall to finish her senior year at Blue Mound-Boody High School, graduating with high honors in May 1963. After graduating high school, she pursued a three-year nursing (R.N.) degree at Saint John's Hospital, Springfield, IL, graduating in May 1966. There, she began an over 40-year nursing career, retiring at 70. She devoted her entire life to nursing, paying attention to the little details of her patients' care. She was recognized for her leadership skills at different healthcare facilities regarding the quality of care for their patients. Veronica married Michael Sheehan in her home parish church in Macon, IL, on July 29, 1967. They lived in Springfield, IL, as she continued her nursing career at Saint John's Hospital. In 1970, Veronica moved to Jacksonville, FL, working in several hospitals and specializing in various leadership positions in psychiatric and oncology nursing departments. While in Jacksonville, she studied healthcare administration at the University of North Florida and took advanced studies in Oncology Nursing from the University of Alabama. On July 21, 1971, she married an English-born psychiatrist, David Hicks. On February 14, 1988, she married William (Bill) Thomas, a hospital pharmacist. They moved to Sanford, FL, to be closer to Bill's family. There, they built their dream retirement home in Lake Mary, FL, away from the hustle and bustle of the South Orlando environs and away from Disney World. They would enjoy their garden, pool, and feline friends playing golf and tennis while entertaining many family and friends. Veronica was an active member at Annunciation Roman Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, FL, before the COVID-19 pandemic, participating in the Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta prayer group. She also volunteered as a nurse at Shepherd's Hope Healthcare Clinic for the uninsured in Longwood, FL. Veronica was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, who suffered a massive stroke and passed away on December 30, 2006, and by her second husband, Dr. David Hicks; her brother, Mark; her stepson Paul; her sister, Mary, and her parents, Nello and Virginia. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Timothy (and Bonnie) Malavolti of Tulsa, OK; her brother, Fr. Nathan Malavolti, T.O.R., of Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, and her sister-in-law, Diane Malavolti of Sioux Falls, SD; and two nephews and two nieces, and four stepchildren, and a host of extended family members with loving neighbors and close friends. A special thanks to those who visited Veronica in the hospital during the last two months of her life and those who assisted in caring for her home and her beloved cat, Mr. Whiskers. Another great thank you to the nurses and doctors who attended her care at Altamonte Springs Advent Hospital and Advent Health Hospice Care In-Patient Unit in Altamonte Springs, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Shepherd's Hope Health Center, Longwood, FL.