Romayne Layaou Thomas

Romayne Thomas died on May 23, 2015 in Albuquerque, NM. Romayne Layaou Thomas and her twin brother, Donald Pettebone Layaou were born on August 12, 1926 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. to Ernest and Gertrude Johnson Layaou. At 6 years of age, Romayne knew that she wanted to be a nurse after her cousin, Jean Thompson, who was a student nurse, showed her areas of the hospital in Scranton, PA. At home, Romayne lined up her dolls and pretended that they were patients. She joined the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps in 1945, which was established by Congress in the event that more nurses were needed during World War II and she graduated from Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing with a diploma in 1948. She received a BS degree in nursing from Simmons College, Boston, Mass in 1950. She held positions as a clinical nursing instructor at Children's Hospital Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Mass. In 1954, she married John Thomas and in 1966 the family moved to Las Cruces, NM (with John having then received his PhD and a professorship at NMSU). In New Mexico she was employed part-time as a staff nurse at Memorial General [Medical] Hospital and NMSU Student Health Center while raising her children. Romayne was a long-time (40+ years) member of the American Association of University Women. She enjoyed a bountiful life. Romayne was predeceased by her parents; her twin brother, Donald; her younger brother, Bud (Ernest Jr.) who was killed in Vietnam; and her husband, John who died in 2004 after 50 years of a wonderful marriage. Romayne's children and grandchildren are Wendy Thomas Stapleton and sons, Colin and Bryan Stapleton, David Thomas and son, Joshua Thomas Golisch, Pete Thomas and wife, Mary Stages of Albuquerque, and son, Paul Thomas of Spring, TX. She has requested cremation and burial at the gravesite of her husband and best friend, John, in Santa Fe National Cemetery. PS. Mom spoke often to us, and right up to the end, of the rich and wonderful life she had through her family, friends and the many people she loved. Thank you so much for being her friend and loving her! Memorial donations would be appreciated to New Mexico State University Foundation, P.O. Box 3590 Las Cruces, NM 88003 for scholarship in the John and Romayne Thomas Endowed Scholarships for student teaching, College of Education and/or Nursing College of Health and Social Services. Our family would love to hear and share stories of Romayne! Please join us in Las Cruces at the New Mexico State University's "Spiritual Center," Friday, June 19th anytime between 3pm and 6pm. We will be serving ice-cream (Romayne's favorite) and are looking forward to visiting and sharing memories with Mom's friends and acquaintances.