FAIRHAVEN — Lillian (Mello) Thomas, age 87 years, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 13, 2010, at Alden Court Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was the widow of Arthur Thomas, her beloved husband of 58 years.
Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Mary (Amaral) Mello and lived in New Bedford all of her life. A graduate of N.B. High School, Mrs. Thomas was secretary to the State Auditor, working in offices in Boston and later Lakeville and Middleboro. She also worked for several years at the former Arlans Department Store in New Bedford.
Along with her late husband, Mrs. Thomas took enormous pride in, and received great joy from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A voracious lifelong reader, she welcomed any opportunity to learn about the world. She enjoyed travel throughout the United States, including several National Parks.
She is survived by three children; her daughter, Diane Lobo and her husband, Charles of Taunton; her sons, Michael Thomas and his wife, Rachel of Fairhaven and Robert Thomas of Arvada, Co.; five grandchildren, Sara Suntheimer and her husband, Jeremy of Ravenna, Oh., Lucas Lobo of Great Falls, Mt., Laura Lobo of Spencer, Ma., Justine Thomas of Fall River and Benjamin Thomas of Fairhaven; two great-grandchildren, Jedidiah and Sarah Suntheimer of Ravenna, Oh.; her sister, Lucille Mello of Fairhaven; a niece; two nephews; and several cousins.
She was the sister of the late Doris Richards.
Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-8 at the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford. Her Funeral Mass will be on Thursday at 10 A.M., at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, followed by burial in Pine Grove Cemetery.