Johanna R. Thomas

LEOMINSTER - Johanna R. Thomas, 80, of Leominster died Friday, October 19 at home. Johanna was born November 7, 1926 in Eschenlohe, Germany, the daughter of Johan and Elisabeth Zach. Johanna was employed for several years at Foster Grants and then became manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken of Leominster. She was active in the German Club and the Leominster Senior Center, where she served on the Steering Committee. She was also an active member of the AARP. When Johanna was in her late twenties, she left the safety net of her family in Germany and took her two daughters to America to begin a new adventure. In 1965 she took her children on a memorable road trip cross country to explore more of America. She never lost her spirit of adventure. Johanna enjoyed knitting, reading and especially being with her family and friends. She was famous for her German apple pie. Although attempted, it has never been mastered by any of her grandchildren. She was an avid correspondent and on her birthday and holidays she received many cards and letters from around the world. Some people collect stamps or antiques, Johanna collected people. She will always be remembered and greatly missed. Johanna was the wife of the late Carl J. Thomas (SGM retired) who died in 2002. She leaves three children, Mildred Moran of Andover, Leota Mayr of Athol, and Gene Thomas of Fairfax Station, VA; two sisters, Elfriede Maurer and Maria Fritz, both of Germany; 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Johanna's brother, Benedikt Zach predeceased her in 2006 and her granddaughter, Johanna Moran predeceased her in 1986. A funeral mass will be held at St. Cecilia's Church in Leominster on Saturday, October 27 at 10:00 A.M. The burial will be held immediately after at St. Leo's Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to the Leominster Senior Center in memory of Johanna Thomas, 5 Pond Street, Leominster, MA 01453. To sign our online guest book or for more information please visit www.simardfuneralhome.com. M. A. Simard and Son Funeral Home, 14 Walker St. is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });