Grace A. Thomas

Grace A. Thomas, 87 of Rockford died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 31, 2014 in her home. She was born on November 25, 1926 in Rockford the daughter of Frank and Minnie DeGrandis. She met a guy by the name of Julius Thomas and they were married September 3, 1949. She worked as a telephone operator for Illinois Bell Company for many years. A member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, the Venetian Club, Illinois Bell Pioneer Club and the Belvidere Moose Club #295. Grace would also get together with a monthly AT &T birthday club to reminisce and enjoy the company of good friends. She was a wonderful woman who loved her family deeply, she will be missed by all that knew her.
Survivors include her daughters, Jessie (Terry) Bell of Indianapolis, IN, Julie and Janell Thomas of Rockford; grandchildren, Jeff (Wendy) Parker, Anthony and James Mills of Indianapolis, IN, Jennifer (Jim) Combs of Rockford; step grandchildren, Casey (Nicole) Bell of Indianapolis, IN and Stefanie Bell of Inianapolis, IN; great grandchildren, Gracie, Keith, Ashlee Parker and Dominic Combs; step great grandchildren; Hali Harrison and Kinsey Bell; sisters, Pauline Panozzo and Alexandra DeGrandis; sister-in-law; Aldine Thomas and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 2012, grandson, Thomas Parker, sisters, Pauline DeGrandis, Dolores Bedin and Angelina Steffani.
Funeral Mass Friday, June 6, 2014 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church 1010 Ferguson St. Interment in Scandinavian Cemetery. Visitation Thursday, June 5 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Rd. 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a rosary service to be recited at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues on Friday at church from 9 a.m. until time of prayer at 9:45 a.m. in lieu of flowers memorials to the family. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com