PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Gloria Thomas passed away peacefully on January 22, 2018, only one month after the passing of her dear husband of 70 years, Francis G. Thomas. 

Gloria was an extraordinary person who was beloved by all who knew her. She was born one of nine children in 1921, in a part of Pittsfield known as The Junction, off Merrill Road.  She was a life-long Pittsfield resident, remaining near her family and living her full life as a wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, within five miles of where she was born.

In all that time she was fulfilled by her lively intelligence and the relationships that she cherished every day. Gloria never forgot anyone, and her last years at Craneville Place of Dalton were spent making new friends, and renewing friendships with people that she had known since childhood. 

In 1946 she met a soldier who was just returned from the war. Frank Thomas lost no time in courting Gloria (she was a looker!) and they married a year later. They built a life together made up of hard work and love, forging friendships with their neighbors which remained strong to this day. In January of 1951, their son, Gary Thomas was born, and both Gloria and Frank worked even harder to provide Gary a foundation for success. 

It’s impossible to express how much Gloria will be missed by her family and dear friends.  She will always be there in our hearts, giving, helping, laughing and listening. We have her as our shining example of one who built upon the gifts she was given with strength, honor and bountiful love.

Funeral notice: Services will take place Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at 10 a.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Joseph's Cemetery. 

Calling hours will be 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children-Springfield in care of the funeral home.