Claire M. Thomas, voracious reader

Claire M. Thomas, 89, of Lewes passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2024, from recurrent multiple myeloma at The Moorings at Lewes. Claire was born Aug. 31, 1934, in New Brunswick, N.J., to Kathryn (nee Addis) and Charles Seaker, and raised in Milltown, N.J.

She attended New Brunswick High School, graduating as salutatorian of her class. In 1955, she married W. Richard Thomas, and the couple made their home in Milltown. Claire worked as an executive secretary for several years before staying home with her children. She later resumed secretarial work and then cared for her grandson after retiring. In 1995, she and Richard moved to Lewes, having built their dream home, where they lived for 21 years before moving into The Moorings at Lewes. 

Claire was an excellent cook; she actively prepared meals and baked, before she became ill. She was a voracious reader, and as a lover of numbers enjoyed doing Sudoku puzzles. She maintained her shorthand skills and kept careful notes on everything, never missing an appointment and rarely forgetting anything. She always made efforts to keep in touch with family and those she met over the years, including several dear friends in England. 

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Richard; daughter, Lynn K. Bickley, MD, (William) of Chestertown, Md.; son, Mark R. Thomas of Clintondale, N.Y.; grandson, Capt. Ryan J. Bickley, MD, (Anaizah) of Baltimore, Md., granddaughter, Dayna M. Thomas of New Paltz, N.Y., and a great-grandson due this month. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 5, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 52 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10 a.m. Interment will be later in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Chestertown, Md.  

No flowers. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of choice.