Connie (Constance) Thomas passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at The Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Medical Hospital in Cleveland. As all of Cleveland celebrated wildly with the triumph of the Cavaliers, Connie slipped away. Cause of death was complications from Lupus. She was 47.
Connie was born to Roland and Sharon Thomas on June 15, 1969 in Lorain. She graduated from Vermilion High School/Ehove in 1987 and then received an Associates Degree in Graphic Arts from Terra College in Fremont. She was an award winning Ad Designer/Builder for six years with The Avon Press, six years with The Morning Journal and thirteen years with The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Connie was an avid reader and you couldn't beat her with trivia questions. Less seriously, she was the 2016 Queen of the Ritter Library Annual Chocolate Contest (which was no small feat from the woman whose kitchen capabilities were frying water!)
With her parents, Connie is survived by her brother, Keith Michael Thomas; aunts and uncles: Lynda and Jerry Kozar, John and Roberta DeLaFrance, of Lorain, Nancy and Claude Woods, Sandi and Salvatore Tramontana of Amherst; her best friend since grade 2, Christy (Kennemuth) Southers; and her special nephews, Skyler and Sterling Southers whom she loved as her own.
She was preceded in death by her loving grandparents: John and Betty DeLaFrance, John and Lucille Thomas, and Juanita and Way Fun Pong.
The family will receive guests on Monday, June 27, 2016 in the Gathering Space of St. Mary Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, OH from 9:30 am until the time of a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Father Phil Feltman will officiate. Lunch will follow in the Parish Life Center Cafeteria. Burial will be private at a later date. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the family to offset medical expenses.
Arrangements are being handled by Riddle Funeral Home, Vermilion. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.