Obituary of Dorothy Mae Thomas

Dorothy B. Thomas, 94 a longtime resident of Greenwich, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at St. Peters Hospital in Albany surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy was born December 11, 1921 in Shushan, to the late John and Mary Bandel. Dorothy lived an amazing life and had a positive impact on countless people. After graduating from Oneonta State she attended graduate school at Columbia University. After college she began a life of educating students and taught for over 25 years. In addition to teaching full time she also labored alongside her husband and their family on their dairy farm. Following her retirement from Greenwich Central School in 1986, she continued to be a role model and inspiration to all that were lucky enough to know her or cross her path. She volunteered for three decades at the Greenwich Community Relief Program, which provided clothing and other household goods to community residents. Dorothy and her husband also worked on the initial recycling program in town. She was an active and faithful member of the North Cambridge United Methodist (Stump) Church. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband of 44 years Robinson Thomas, daughters Judy Thomas and Sandra Ragule, son-in-law Paul Zschoche, brother Warren Bandel, brothers-in-law John Kowalchyk and Anthony Campigno. Dorothy is survived by her daughter Linda Zschoche of Fairport; son Richard (Tracey) Thomas of Greenwich; grandchildren Ryan Thomas, Melissa Thomas, Sara Zschoche, Emily Zschoche, Amy Ragule, Cameron Yowell; sisters Helen Campigno, Elsie Kowalchyk; sister-in-law Eleanor Bandel; son-in-law Edward Ragule and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. A funeral service will be held at 10 am Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home with the Rev. Virginia Cornell and Pastor Lee Capodagli officiating. Burial will follow at the Stump Church Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4-7 pm Friday September 16, 2016 at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St, Greenwich, NY, 12834. In lieu of flowers donations in Dorothy’s name may be made to the North Cambridge (Stump) Church financial secretary at 164 Kenyon Rd, Greenwich, NY, 12834 Online condolences and messages to the family may be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com