Elizabeth K. Thomas, 94, passed away at Cove’s Edge Nursing Home in Damariscotta on April 10. She was born in Claremont, N.H., the eldest daughter of Ralph W. and Dorcas (Campbell) Kiniry. She graduated from Stevens High School in Claremont, N.H., attended Sweetbriar College in Lynchburg, Va., then graduated from Kathryn Gibbs School in Boston, Mass. After completing her schooling, Elizabeth moved to New York City with friends and began work at WPOR at Rockefeller Center. She met her husband, Robert DeFord Thomas, in New York. They married at her family home in Claremont, N.H. May 28, 1938. The couple settled in New York where their three children were born. Elizabeth’s family was of utmost importance in her life. The family moved to Norwalk, Conn. in 1955. There she worked in the Admitting Office of Norwalk Hospital for many years. A year after Robert’s death in 1972, Elizabeth moved to Maine to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She lived in Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland and Topsham before moving to Damariscotta. She came from a family of artists and she created beautiful quilting and collages. In addition, she was an avid gardener and enjoyed trying out new recipes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert DeFord Thomas; her parents, Ralph Wiley Kiniry and Dorcas Campbell Kiniry; her brothers, Ralph W. Kiniry, Jr. and Campbell Kiniry; and her sister, Carol Kiniry Riley. She is survived by daughters Carol T. Burrall and husband Barnum of Bremen, and Jennifer T. Read of Bozeman, Mont.; son William C. Thomas and wife Becki of Portland; five grandchildren, Wiley B. Macleod and husband Eldon of Bath, Jennifer M. Burrall of Portland, Kristen A. Read of Bozeman, Mont., Zackery R. Thomas of Houston, Tex., and Michaela R. Thomas of Portland; and her first great-grandchild, Cameron B. Macleod, whom she met on the day she passed away. Family services with burial at a later date at the Ascutney Cemetery in Windsor, Vt. If desired, the family requests that donations in Elizabeth’s memory be given to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
