Marianne G. (Gilchrist) Thomas

Marianne G. Thomas, 93, died on Monday, August 30, 2021 at Homewood of Martinsburg following a brief illness. Marianne was born in New York City on July 31,1928 the daughter of the late Richard Leo and Vera (Duverger) Gilchrist. 

Marianne spent her early childhood in Mt Carmel, PA and visited family in Bedford during the summers.  As a teenager Marianne moved to Bedford and graduated from Bedford High School in 1945. After high school she had several different jobs including one at Thomas Chevrolet.  One of her fondest memories was of a season spent in Washington, D.C. as a secretary for Colonel Boyer at the Pentagon. 

Marianne returned to Bedford to marry Bill Thomas on February 2, 1952 and spent many happy years as a wife, mother, and homemaker.  She was an extremely talented cook who spoiled her family with her fabulous meals.  After her daughter’s death she enjoyed creating ceramics and volunteering-serving as a den mother for Cub Scouts and as an usher at the summer concerts at the Springs. Marianne looked fondly on times spent entertaining friends at Penn State games and in Florida in the winter.   She enjoyed traveling and shared many humorous stories of trips within the U.S. and happy excursions with her husband to Europe, Africa, and South America.  Despite many adventures, Marianne was happiest at home with her family.

Marianne is survived by her son, Mark Thomas and wife Susan of Bedford; and two grandchildren, Chase Webb and Maura Thomas.  She was preceded in death by her husband; her brother, Dick Gilchrist; and her young daughter, Suzanne.

At Marianne’s request there will be no viewing and the funeral Mass will be private.

The family would like to thank the staff at Victoria House-Homewood Spring House Estates,  the staff at Tenley and Countryside-Homewood Martinsburg, and the caregivers at First Choice in Home Care for the personal, compassionate care they provided.