Kathleen A. Thomas

Kathleen Ann Thomas (nee Harshe) passed away from natural causes on Friday, May 20, 2022, in Orlando FL. She will be laid to rest beside her husband of 76 years, Robert Benson Thomas, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA. A private family service will be held graveside on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 11:00am.

Having nearly reached 96 years of age, Kathleen is survived by her four children and their spouses (Robert Benson Thomas Jr. and Carol Thomas, Susan Louise Rahl, Joseph Andrew Thomas and Victoria Thomas, Polly Thomas Davidson and Rex Davidson), plus six grandchildren (Rachel Cutler, Michael Rahl, Emily Davidson, Christopher Davidson, Carolyne Davidson, and Carrie Humphreys), and two great grandsons (Jackson Maheu and Carson Cutler).

Born and raised in Lima, Ohio, Kathleen’s parents were distinguished by their civic activism in public education and documenting local history; her siblings also achieving great academic accomplishments. Kathleen married her childhood sweetheart, Robert, soon after his awarded actions in the European Theater of World War II, and together they explored new frontiers and innovative business initiatives in Chicago, Baltimore, Denver, Atlanta, and Orlando, grounded on unconditional love for each other and their family.

Kathleen was a keen observer of the human condition through her world travels to Europe, Asian-Pacific Islands, China, Australia, and Central and South America, with particular focus on cultural history and cathedral architecture. Her commitment to community was evident through her active involvement in the League of Women Voters and Presidential campaigns. She was always learning and found great joy in engaging with family and friends through competitive games and hosting generous holiday gatherings.

She also found great peace in Marco Island, FL in her later years which allowed her to take pleasure in the beauty of nature and countless shoreline sunsets. She understood that the world was a scared place and life was a precious miracle.

Although the family will now gather together with Kathleen for one last melancholy moment, they will remember and celebrate Kathleen’s indomitable joy and embracing spirit ‘till the end of days.