Edna A. Thomson

PETERSHAM- Edna A. (Flagg) Thomson, age 90, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 8, 2016. Edna was born in Orange, MA, the oldest of fifteen children, the daughter of Ava B. and Rachel E. (Allen) Flagg, Sr. She lived in North Dana until she was 11 years old, then moved to Athol where she grew up and graduated from Athol High School in 1945. She later married and moved to Phillipston to raise her family. From an early age Edna was a hard worker. Some of her employers were the Union Twist Drill, local Shoe Shop, Temple Stuarts and Phillipston school cafeteria. She then worked as a personal care attendant through Catholic Charity, GVNA and later cared for clients privately. She was a member of both the Baldwinville Baptist, and Athol-Orange Baptist Churches. Edna was an active member of the Mount Grace Chapter of AARP. She not only loved helping others, it was her passion and one of her gifts to the world! She was the best cook and baker ever! Edna loved the outdoors whether picking blueberries, strawberries, apples or just taking a walk. She enjoyed going to Bingo, playing cards and games with the grandchildren. Edna loved reading the Bible and sharing God’s love, and singing hymns. She loved listening and dancing to music, especially Johnny King. She enjoyed family reunions, class reunions and band concerts and other gatherings. She touched the lives of many people and will be remembered for her strength, her smile and her wisdom. She is survived by three children, a daughter, Marilyn Lehoux and her husband Billy of Phillipston, a son Robert Beyette, Jr. of AK, a daughter Christine Martin and her husband Michael of Savannah, GA; one daughter-in-law, Sharon Beyette of Petersham with whom she resided; she also has 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; four brothers: William A. Flagg of Camby, OR, Ira M. Flagg of Panama City, FL, Marshall B. Flagg of Aurora, OR and David W. Flagg of Royalston; three sisters: Mary L. Floran and husband Duane of Athol, Carol A. Rowell of Claremont, NH, Laurel J. Keefe of Panama City , FL; one aunt, Alice (Allen) Oja, NH. She also leaves many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husbands; Robert D. Beyette Sr., Leon M. McAdams, Ernest Oja and Harold Thomson, one son Richard C. Beyette and several brothers and sisters. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, January 12, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Higgins-O'Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 10:30 am at the Athol-Orange Baptist Church, 131 Ridge Avenue, Athol, with Rev. Mark Bariloni officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations made in Edna’s name to Quabbin Valley Healthcare, Activities Fund, 821 Daniel Shays Highway, Athol, MA 01331 or Athol Baptist Church, Mission Fund, 131 Ridge Avenue, Athol, MA 01331. Burial will be at a later date in the lower cemetery in Phillipston