Elizabeth Thomas

ELIZABETH THERESA CHISHOLM THOMAS

10-06-1925 TO 10-15-2024

Elizabeth (Liz) Thomas returned to her Heavenly Father in Heaven on October 15th, 2024. Eleven days after her 99th birthday, following a very brief illness.

Liz was the last born child of Angus and Cathryn (Kate) Chisholm, with her twin Catherine (Kay), in Manhattan, New York, New York. There were five children born to Angus and Kate; Mary (Jim); Edward (Julia); Donald (Anne); Kay (Mac); and Liz (Jim). They were reared in White Plains, New York.

Liz lived life to the fullest to say the least and found many ways to adventure and serve. She was a cadet nurse in training when WWII ended. Following her nurses training in New York, she came to New Mexico and Arizona to work with Indian Service. A love she retained throughout her life.

She met the love of her life at this time, James L. (Jim) Thomas. He had just returned from serving in the Navy as a 113th Battalion Seabee in WWII. They married in 1948. They had 5 children, Catherine (Cathie) (Jim) Haggard; Candice (Candi) (Mitch) Mitchell; William (Bill) Angus Thomas, Robert (Bob) Thomas; and Virginia (Gin) Thomas.

They have 25 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren. She also has many nieces and nephews she adored.

Liz and Jim were very early advocates for those with cognitive disabilities to be able to remain in their homes and to receive public education. They attended The White House Conference on the Handicapped in the '60's representing New Mexico. They were some of the founders of the ARC program in New Mexico as well. Liz served as State President of ARC of New Mexico in the late 60's and remained a strong advocate for them. She was invited to the White House for the signing of the Special Education Bill in 1967. She and Jim were also very active in the Lions Club in Roswell and she in Rio Rancho for many years volunteering in any capacity needed. She also volunteered for Sandoval County at Sandoval Regional Medical Center, St. Felix Pantry, and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Liz was a very faithful member of her Church. Her love for the Lord was evident in her life. She attended Mass every week and loved to watch the Mass from Rome on TV.

Liz absolutely loved to travel! She and Jim traveled mostly by RV throughout most if not all the States after they retired. She, Jim, Kay and Mac went together to Hawaii one time. She, her sister Mary and Mary's family went on a cruise to Nova Scotia (both of her parents' native province in Canada). Following Jim's passing in 1992, she traveled more extensively abroad. For example, the Scotland, Wales, England, Ireland, Germany, France, Hungry, Russia, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, Egypt, Jordan, Israel several time, Italy numerous times. I'm sure some countries have been omitted.

Liz was an adventurer. She bungee jumped in New Zealand when she was 79; white water rafted and ziplined in her late 80's. Ous cousin, Waggs, in Nova Scotia asked if she was ever able to ride a camel. She did on one of her trips to Egypt. She would try anything!

Her services will be done by French Mortuary. Her services will be held on November 15, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. The Rosary will be held at 10am, and the Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30am. Her burial will be held the following day, November 16, 2024, in Roswell, New Mexico Southgate Cemetery at 10am. All are welcome to attend this celebration. There will be a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate something, we are asking that you choose either St. Felix Pantry, or Haven House (a protected program for abused mothers and children). You can either go directly to their website www.havenhouseinc.org and donate via PayPal or Qgiv. They request that you add a note, something like in memory of Elizabeth Thomas. You may also send a check to:

Haven House

PO Box 15611

Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87174

Liz and her family would like to express our sincere appreciation for all of the Rio Grande Gracious Retirement people for their love, and care of our Liz. She loved living there and we are appreciative of the love returned. You went well above expectations. Thank you.