Barbara Jean (Morris) Thomas

Barbara Jean Thomas, age 81, of 207 North Main Rd, Otis, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 13 at the Berkshire Medical Center.

 She was born in Brooklyn NY, February 21, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Elmer E. and Jean G. Morris. She attended the local schools of East Rockaway, NY and Lee, MA and was a 1958 graduate of Lee High School. Continuing her education, she earned a nursing degree in 1961 from the former Henry W. Bishop III Memorial School of Nursing in Pittsfield. Following graduation, she was employed at the former Medfield State Hospital as one of the first 9 registered nurses to work at the hospital until 1965. She then worked as a registered nurse at the Fairview Hospital until the early 90’s.  Following her employment at Fairview, she worked as a Teacher’s aide & Special Education aide at Otis Consolidated School.  After her time at Otis Consolidated School she worked as a medical assistant at Suburban Medical Center in Lee until her retirement in 2001. 

Barbara had a green thumb and always enjoyed planting and maintaining her flower beds.  She also had a knack for always keeping in touch with loved ones and those she just met with either beautifully written letters, phone calls or her creative texts.  She also enjoyed going for rides and looked forward to the many adventures with Lisa.

Barbara was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend.  She is survived by her two daughters, Brenda J. Johnson and her husband Christopher, of Chester, CT and Denise M. Harwood and her husband John, of East Otis; her son, Michael J. Thomas and his wife Catherine, of West Hartford, CT; her five grandchildren: Elise M. Lewis, Naomi H. Cosmus, John “Jack” T. Cosmus, Laurel A. Thomas and Jacob R. Thomas; her great-grandchild, Everet J. Lewis; her brother Bruce Morris and wife Judy; her sister Nancy Bailey and husband John; former husband Gerald Thomas; sisters-in-law: Lisa “Gidney” C. Thomas and Donna L. Simmons and her husband Thomas; brother-in-law Ronald “James” Thomas; and many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours at the Kelly Funeral Home will be Saturday, February 26 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.  Memorial services will be held at the funeral home immediately following calling hours. Burial services will be private in the spring. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Henry W. Bishop Memorial Alumnae Association Scholarship in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.