Obituary of Glenda Frances Thomas
Glenda Francis Thomas, affectionately known as Glenda to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, in Essexville, Michigan. Born on July 27, 1950, in Gratiot County, Michigan, Glenda was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her.
Glenda's early life in St. Louis Michigan was filled with the warmth of a close-knit community. She was the cherished daughter of Eva Brown and the adopted daughter of Donald and Barbara Keane. Glenda's siblings, Dixie Keane, Wendy Broccoli (Bruno), and Brooke Keane (Diane), shared in the joys and adventures of their sister's life. She attended St. Louis High School, where her intelligence and artistic talents first began to shine. Her passion for the arts led her to further her education, graduating from Delta College and Saginaw Valley University with a bachelor's degree in Art.
Professionally, Glenda dedicated herself to serving others. As a program manager at Do-All, she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of adults with disabilities. Her loving and spirited nature made her an invaluable asset to the organization and those it served.
Glenda's life was a testament to her love for family. She is survived by her loving daughter, Lorra Thomas, and stepdaughter, Hughlyn Rosario (Vicente). Her grandchildren, Erika Griffin, Joseph Clancey III (Michelle Abram), Austin Sanders (Catherine), Collin Blumlo (Ariana Mika), Shay Diallo. Great Grandchildren Lilly Clancey, and Austin Sanders Jr, will cherish her memory and the countless moments of joy she brought into their lives. Glenda also leaves behind many honorary grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Glenda's creative spirit and zest for life were evident in her many interests. She found joy in scrapbooking, ceramics, needlepoint, crocheting, diamond art with her friend Sherri, gardening and card making. Her hands were rarely still, as she was always creating beautiful things for her friends and family to enjoy. Glenda's love for live music was profound, and she was a dedicated fan of The Rock Show and an active member of the Greta Van Fleet fan group, The Peaceful Army. Her enthusiasm for the band and the friendships she forged within the group were sources of great happiness in her life.
Above all, Glenda cherished the time spent with her loved ones. Her home was a welcoming haven where laughter, stories, and love were in abundant supply. Glenda's intelligence and loving nature were the foundation upon which her family built their lives. Her spirited presence will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Glenda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Thomas. Their love story was one for the ages, and her devotion to him remained steadfast throughout her life. Her mother, Eva Brown, and adoptive parents, Donald and Barbara Keane, also preceded her in passing. Glenda's legacy of love, creativity, and compassion will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.
As we bid farewell to Glenda Francis Thomas, we reflect on a life well-lived and a woman well-loved. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Glenda's journey on this earth has ended, but her spirit will always be with us, guiding us with the same love and grace she bestowed in life. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
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