Margaret “Peg” Thomas

Margaret “Peg” Lucille Thomas, 95, of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully Monday morning, January 25, 2016 in The Inn at Northwood Village at Dover following a period of declining health.

A daughter of the late Mendrel H. Jessup and Geneva (Wise) Jessup, Peg was born January 4, 1921 at Akron, Ohio. She was a 1939 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School.

On September 21, 1940, Peg married the love of her life, Donald W. Thomas. Together, they shared 71 years of marriage until his passing on June 10, 2012.

A wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she will be sadly missed by her two daughters, Carole (Kenneth) Finzer of New Philadelphia and Sandra (Richard) Swartzbaugh of Dover; four grandchildren, Gregory (Leyla) Finzer, John (Michelle) Swartzbaugh, and Michael (Leslie) Swartzbaugh, all of Columbus and Debra (Brian) Walker of New Philadelphia; ten great-grandchildren; Nathan, Daniel, and Samantha Walker, Crystal, Jasmine, and Samuel Finzer, William and Blake Swartzbaugh and Evan and Elin Swartzbaugh. Also surviving are a niece, Rebecca Rose, of Lexington, Ohio, and a nephew, Alan (Karen) Thomas of San Jose, California.

Peg was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Howard, who died in the Korean War at age 20, and also a niece, Marjorie Hoerbelt.

Peg lived by the example that she set. Until recent years, she was an active member of The First United Church of Christ in New Philadelphia where Don and she were members for over 65 years. Peg was a Deaconess and served on the communion committee for many years, a member of the Ruth Circle, and helped prepare and serve the Thursday lunches held at the church. Peg was always involved in the yearly cookie walk held at the church. She also was on the Call to Care Team and visited the church shut-ins until she was 90.

An accomplished seamstress and quilter, she made quilts for each family member and also baby quilts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved making crafts for her friends and family for their birthdays and holidays.

Peg was a life member of the New Philadelphia Lady Elks and also was an avid bridge player belonging to several bridge clubs. Don and Peg had been active members of the Disabled American Veterans, the New Philadelphia Garden Club, Y.M.C.A. and the Tuscarawas County Senior Center.

Peg was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking for her family. She will most be remembered for her homemade cinnamon rolls, noodles, and pies.

When the girls were growing up, they took many vacations throughout the United States. They also traveled to Florida, Branson, Gatlinburg and The Canadian Rockies with their dear friends, Fran and Glenn Bible. On Don and Peg’s 45^th wedding anniversary in 1985, they traveled to Europe for 28 days and visited Italy where Don served during World War II.

Visitation will be held in the First United Church of Christ Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. with a service celebrating her life beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastors Jeff Gerber and Jill Lovett officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. A meal will be served at the Geib Family Center following the committal for a time of fellowship.

Memorial contributions may be made in Peg’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to the First United Church of Christ, PO Box 422 New Philadelphia Ohio 44663.

Peg’s family is extremely grateful to the Inn at Northwood aides and nurses for their loving care the past year and a half.