Mary F. (Kalman) Thomas

Mary F. Thomas, 67, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Tuesday, November 2nd.

She was born August 15th, 1949, in Elkhart to the late Frank and Georgeanna (Laidlaw) Kalman. 

She was a 1967 graduate of Elkhart High School and attended Saint Mary’s College.  On November 16th, 1968, she wed Brian A. Thomas, also of Elkhart.  He survives along with her two children, Kristina Thomas-Bartley of Elkhart and Kalman Michael Thomas (Hannah Blythe), of Denver, Colorado, and two grandchildren, Madison and Thomas Bartley.   She is also survived by her four sisters: Ann Kalman, Kathleen Kalman, Eilleen Kalman (LaMonte Heflick) and Maureen (Dale) Donat, as well as numerous beloved nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family spread across the country.  

Mary began her work career at First National Bank in 1970, before joining the team at Letherman Realty.  She then transitioned to Mary Daly Elementary where she served as a paraprofessional for eight years.  Though her professional career took her on many different paths, she always remained employed with John Letherman at FM Stone Commercial.   She was also very proud of her work as an instructor at Pennway Night School.       

She was a member of the Elkhart Jayshee’s and the Elkhart Lion’s Club.  She also served the city of Elkhart for 24 years on the Human Relations Commission, presiding as President for multiple terms. 

She enjoyed tending to her beautiful garden, decorating her home for every imaginable holiday, traveling, and most of all sitting in her favorite recliner with a good book.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jin, the Oncology staff at the Elkhart Clinic, the staff at Hubbard Hill, and Center for Hospice Care for their loving attention during her courageous fight against colon cancer.   

Visitation for Mary will be from 4p.m.  8p.m. on Monday, November 7th, at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home with private services on Tuesday, November 8th.  Interment will follow at a later date.

Memorial donations in Mary’s name can be made to the Sweet Pea Foundation P. O. Box 1293 Elkhart, Indiana 46515 or the Elkhart Lion’s Club, PO Box 2932, Elkhart, Indiana 46515.   For the Lions Club, donations should be made out to the Community Foundation of Elkhart and put Elkhart Lions Club in the memo box.

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