"My deepest sympathy! My mother and I were so saddened by this news when we first read about it in the online Newport Daily News. We had so many wonderful memories of our visits and the New Year's Eve parties. Aloha and God bless you, Denise"
In loving memory of
Laura Silvia Thomas
October 14, 1916 - October 2, 2006
Newport, RI - Laura Silvia Thomas, 89, of 125 Old Fort Road, Newport, RI, died Monday, October 2, 2006 at home under the loving care of her daughter Suzanne. She was the wife of Walter Eugene Thomas of Newport. Born on Aquidneck Ave in Middletown, RI on October 14, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Manuel Francisco DaSilva and Maria Miguel Francisco DaSilva. Laura grew up in Newport and attended the Witherbee School and Rogers HS. She married Walter E. Thomas on March 31, 1942 in St. Joseph?s Church in Newport. Soon after their marriage, Walter and Laura were assigned to Chincoteague, VA in the Navy, and were later moved to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where they lived for three years. Upon returning to Newport, they settled in the Fifth Ward and Mrs. Thomas became active with St. Augustin?s Church. She participated in the choir and many of the church community activities. Throughout her adult life, she was a proficient gardener and grew vegetables and most notably African Violets. She loved her dogs, and was known in the neighborhood for baking and giving away her blonde brownies. Earlier in her life she was a talented knitter and would create everything from afghans to mittens. She also could be seen wearing beautiful hats, always matching her outfit. At one point she took up walking and soon walked the entire Ocean Drive nearly every day. Through these walks she began cleaning up the streets and disposing of refuse. For this civic commitment, she was nominated for a Jefferson Award and was given a commendation from the City of Newport for her efforts. A plaque was commissioned by her son Steven at the Newport Fisherman?s Monument at Brenton Point to commemorate her efforts to Newport. She is survived by her husband of 64 years Walter E. Thomas of Newport, RI , a son Walter Thomas III and his wife Donna of Charlestown, RI, a daughter Suzanne L. Thomas LeFevre and her husband M. Dee LeFevre of Young, AZ and a son Steven Thomas and his wife Beth Ann of Freetown, MA, and nine grandchildren: Abigail and Andrew Thomas, Laura LeFevre Burgener, Melissa LeFevre Cahoon, Michael LeFevre, Dawn Pickeral, Tiffany Skinner, Walter Thomas IV, Shawn and Amber Thomas, and 14 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by seven siblings: Manuel Silvia, Mary Shaw, Rose Sant, John Silvia, Emily Smith, Flora Lightfoot and Frank Silvia. Her funeral will be held on Friday, October 6, at 9:00am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Augustins Church, Carroll Avenue, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columbas Cemetery in Middletown.Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 5 from 6:00-9:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Visiting Nurse Service- Hospice, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Tributes
"Our condolances on your loss. John & Mamie"
"Steven, My most sincere sympathy for you and your family."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will fondly remember Aunt Laura for going to church with my Mom and I on Saturdays, taking me on long walks through Newport while telling me the history of the mansions and who could forget her brownies. Peace and love, Christine and family"
"I am sorry for your loss. What a great legacy in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. How blessed you were to have her as a mother."
"I am so sorry I can't be there in your time of sorrow. So many years have gone by and I still have my moments when I miss my Mom. I know they are all together now watching over us. I love you all, and my thoughts are with you. Chuckie"
"Donna & Walter Mom told us of Walter's Mom passing and we wanted to let you know that we hope our children will take as good of care as us, as yourself & Donna has told me that you took of Walter's Mom & Dad. God Bless & my thoughts will be with your family."
"Walter & family, always remember the good times and my prayers will be with you. Amy Cotton Pastorius"
"I am so sorry to hear of your loss, and my prayers and thoughts are with you during these trying times."
"Walt, Donna, and Children, I am so sorry for your loss. After all of the years of dedicated love and care you've given Walt's parents, I'm sure Laura's death is difficult for all of you. As always, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Margaret"
"Dear Papa T. Grama Thomas was like my own Grandmother in many ways, Loving and kind and very special. She loved life and Each of her children and grandchildren so very much she will be missed dearly, and remembered through laughter and many memories. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Amber"
"Dear Walter, Donna & Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy, from our family to yours. Laura was a free soul who had enjoyed a wonderful life with your dad, the way that they wanted in their idea of life. I quess that is what it is all about. May God Bless you all. ... and may he greet Laura at the gates of heaven entending her his hand to guide her in this time of need. Edward & Catherine Fish & Family"
"Sue, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."
"Sue, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. She sounds like she was a remarkable women and I am sure you have many memorys of her to hold onto. Sincerely, Candy Abenante"
"Sue, A heart full of love and admiration to you. --Rosanne Keeler"
"Sue, Your love and devotion for your Mom and Dad have touched our hearts. Thank you for your example. Your charitable heart is a gift and a blessing."
"Sue, Dee and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. May God bless you for all the things you have done to help your mother and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim and Dee Stevens Acworth, Georgia"
"Sue, We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your mother. Our love and prayers are with you."
"Sue, I'm sorry to hear of your lose. I know it has been a difficult journey for you and hope you can find comfort in the peace you know your mother now has. My prayers will be with you and your family. Love, Michelle Jones Dorr"
"I have known Sue Lefevre and her family most of my life. I was a part of the newport ward in that time. I only had the honor to meet her father at church. It was a pleasure to be able to do so. I had only wished to be able to do the same with her mom. I'm sure that her mom was a charming and sweet as Sue and her father is, that she was a wonderful person. Due to where I live and transportation I'm sorry to miss the services. Just know that you and your family will be in my prayers and know that the Lord will bless your mom Sue with open arms and that you all will be reunited soon. Lots of love and hugs Christina"
"Dear Sue I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. It is great to know of the gospel plan at this time in your life. I live in Louisiana now so I won't be able to make it to the funeral. Please know my love and prayers are with you. Colleen Hopkins"
"It has been a privilege to be a part of your family through the years. It has been really good to get to know your father of late and I wish I had been able to know your mother. Our love is with you and we know you understand the plan of salvation and as a result you know you will be with your mother again."
"My thoughts & prayers are with the Thomas family at this difficult time.. God Bless you all.. Carolyn"
"Walt & Family, My prayers goes out to you and your family."