Obituary of Barbara J. Thomas

Barbara J. Thomas (formerly Barbara Ann Jones) passed away peacefully on October 3, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts after a long illness. Barbara lived in Rome, New York from the age of 14 and graduated from Rome Free Academy. She then worked for Rome Cable Corporation and, later in life, at the Rome State School.  Barbara was a member of the Rome First Baptist Church and volunteered at their Clothing Closet. After retirement, she enjoyed playing bridge and traveling as a member of the Rome Senior Center. Barbara had the good fortune of many enduring friendships from her teenage years growing up in Rome. She truly treasured these relationships.

Barbara and her husband, William (Bill) Thomas, married in 1948 and raised a family in Rome.  Barbara is survived by her daughter, Lynn Thomas Schwartz, of Brookline, MA and her son, Michael W. Thomas, of San Francisco, CA along with their spouses, Raymund Schwartz and Diane Mason, and her sister, Linda Downes of Queens, NY.  Barbara has four grandchildren, Matthew Nolan, William Nolan, Samantha Schwartz and Zachary Thomas and three great grandchildren, Abigail Nolan, Dylan Nolan and Bridget Nolan. She is predeceased by her husband William Thomas, her daughter Pamela Nolan, her great-granddaughter Sophia Nolan and her brother, Roger Jones.

Funeral services will take place at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, NY 13440, on Monday October 9, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Calling hours are from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. followed by funeral service and interment at Rome Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America or to the charity of   your choice in Barbara’s memory.

You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.