Elva L. Thomas (nee Christiansen) 92, of Lorain, and long-time seasonal resident of Lakeside, died on July 17 after a long battle with CLL.
Born and raised in Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota. Exemplar member of Beta Sigma Phi and retired member of The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Preceded in death by her husband John “Jack” Thomas who she married in 1957 after meeting on the Great Lakes cruise ship South American. Mother to Christine (Scott) Crompton of Hudson, John (Sarah) Thomas of Willoughby Hills and Lakeside, Jane (Ronald) Crandall of Marblehead, and Patrick (Carolyn) Thomas of Lorain. Grandmother to 5 and Great-Grandmother to 3 with more on the way.
Her passions were working, interacting with the public, and cooking – especially pies, Saturday “frickin’ chicken” for her husband, and Sunday suppers. When asked what time in her life she would ever wish to return to the response was the 1970s working at the Abigail Tea Room in Lakeside, where she remained as hostess and baked until its closure in 2007.
Private burial will be at The Memorial Garden at Chautauqua Park in Lakeside. In memory of Elva please listen to the song Summer Wind performed by Frank Sinatra. Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice www.steinhospice.org.
What an amazing and beautiful life your mother had!!i am listening to Summer Life from Alexa right now♥️♥️♥️♥️
Luke 6:21
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
Patrick and your family; I am sorry for your loss, cherish the times and memories of your mom. Take Care, Mike
Elva L. Thomas, What a lovely and gracious person. I got to meet and talk often to her at The Atlanta Bread Company and the Wendy’s in Avon Lake. She sent some of her famous Irish Soda Bread my way, and may I say it was simply delicious. I will keep her and her family in my thoughts and Prayers. May God bless her and may she Rest In Peace.
So very sorry for the loss of your mother. I worked with Elva at Gifts Unlimited for several years. She made delicious pies and soda bread. I also had the pleasure of eating and seeing her at Abigails during the summer. It’s been a long time since since I have seen Elva and often wondered about her and where she was. So sad to read if her illness…may she Rest In Peace!
The residents of Morningside have made a memorial contribution to Stein Hospice in memory of Elva. I have requested an acknowledgement be sent to the family at Elva’s address. I will also be sending a list of the names of the neighbors who were able to donate at this time. We are all so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. God be with all of you.
A living legend during my earlier days working at the Abigail Tea Room. Whether it was 25 regulars for breakfast on a rainy morning or 400 for dinner on the biggest program night of the year, she handled it all with aplomb and such grace under pressure. She will never be forgotten.