Jean E Thomas

March 11, 2020

Jean E. Thomas (nee Erskine) died on March 11, 2020 at Medford Leas at the age of 88 surrounded by her family. Born on November 5, 1931, Jean was the only child of Alex and Jessie Erskine. Jean and her husband Herb grew up in Kearny, NJ before moving to Belleville and then to Nutley. In retirement they moved to Mount Laurel, then to Lumberton Leas and then Medford Leas. Jean and Herb were in different classes, but both graduated from Kearny High School. Their paths continued to cross while working at the Fidelity Union Trust Company in Newark. Early in 1956 they were engaged, and on October 13th they were married at Second Presbyterian Church in Newark. After moving to Nutley, Jean found great pleasure as an active member of Grace Church. Later in life, Jean decided to pursue a degree from Essex County College, allowing her to enter the workforce at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic as a Physical Therapy Assistant. She was among the first in the state to receive a PTA license. There, Jean met life-long friends who lovingly maintained their relationships with her, long after she retired. While working at St. Mary’s, Jean pursued and was awarded a BA degree from Caldwell University. Jean and Herb moved to Mount Laurel to be closer to their daughter Liz and granddaughter Kristen. They were loyal fans, attending all of Kristen’s sporting events throughout grammar, middle and high school. They even attended an occasional dance recital. As an active member of Trinity Church in Moorestown, Jean served as a member of the flower guild and as a Stephen Minister. She was also a member of the Mount Laurel Garden Club, where she was so grateful to have had an opportunity to meet a group of welcoming women, many of whom became her closest friends. Jean loved to paint, knit and read and write poetry. She enjoyed listening to music and opera. She was a great note writer and was very happy working in the garden. Some of Jean’s favorite times were spent on the beach in Avalon and with neighbors on First Avenue who became adopted family members. Jean is survived by her husband Herbert Thomas, daughter Liz Thomas, son-in-law Jim Kehoe and granddaughter Kristen Van Iderstine. A requiem will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, Moorestown at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Book of Remembrance, c/o Trinity Episcopal Church, 207 W. Main St. Moorestown, NJ 08057.