Karen Lynn Thomas

If you’re reading this, then I’ve shuffled off this mortal coil and am not indestructible. I’m as surprised as anyone. And to be honest I always assumed my demise would come, if it must, by choosing to pet the wrong stray dog or being crushed by a pile of unread books. Never thought something as common as cancer would prove me mortal! Very anticlimactic!

The basic facts, I was born 5 March 1965 in Dayton, Ohio and died 27 July 2024 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Between those two dates I lived my life. 

And I had a very lucky and fortunate life. The two biggest strokes of luck were being born in the United States and to two wonderful parents who loved me unconditionally and totally. Neither of which was an accomplishment for which I can take credit. And for 58 years, through no effort on my part, I was graced with good health!

While my name will not be known to future generations, I hope those who do know me will forgive and forget my faults, slights, prejudices, and lapses in judgment. I tried but I was only human. I would prefer that they would remember me as a kind and good person who laughed often and, I hope, brought good cheer to others (as well as a good dose of sarcasm, appreciated or not). 

And what about the parts I like to think I did have some control over? I earned a master’s degree and lived in Washington DC and Chicago before returning to New Mexico and family. I’d never broken a bone which is a remarkable feat considering how klutzy I was! I couldn’t carry a tune to save my life but that never stopped me (to the dismay of whomever I was with) from singing. I drank a lot of coffee and Diet Coke, loved Sadie’s chicken enchiladas and green chile, considered chips and salsa one of the basic food groups, ice cream was my treat of choice, always chose buttercream frosting over whipped topping (life is too short for whipped!), was a voracious reader of (mostly nonfiction) books, bought more books than I could ever read in a natural lifetime, began a lot of cross stitch (and even finished a few!), was an unapologetic introvert, Democrat, and left of center liberal, was a diehard Cleveland Browns fan (so I was well acquainted with disappointment), loved all animals, and strived to make people laugh. 

The closest I got to heaven was spending time in bookstores or playing with dogs anywhere. If there was a party and you couldn’t find me, just look for the family pet, and I’d be close by! I was fortunate to work in jobs that enabled me to help people improve their lives and, while it didn’t make me financially rich, it made for a rewarding life! All and all an admirable record for 59 years! I was not a success in all things I tried, and I regret the things I didn’t attempt for fear of failure. Those fears seem like a waste of good opportunities at this point.

I was predeceased by my paternal grandparents, Lorena and Glenn Thomas, my maternal grandparents, Martha and Arthur Wyatt, and my bonus grandparents, Lona and Merrill Cronk. My beloved father, Jack Thomas, passed away too soon in 2021. Several cousins and two aunts also predeceased me as well as six of my fur babies.

I am survived by my loving mother, Patty Thomas and my two fur babies, Rosie and Gabby, as well as two aunts and uncles, and several cousins. I’m also survived by many friends scattered throughout the country whose friendships made my life so much richer. To my family and friends, thank you for your constant support…y’all filled my final year with much happiness and love.

I’d like to give a shout out to the doctors, nurses, and staff from the Ted & Margaret Jorgensen Cancer Center! Ya’ll spent the better part of the year doing everything you could to extend my life, and the final part to allow me to transition with dignity and without pain. You all ROCK and thank you doesn’t say it all!

I would be honored if friends and family would like to remember me with a donation to any animal welfare organization (adopt don’t shop)! And always choose kindness and patience; you never know how much a smile will brighten someone’s day and it’ll cost you nothing and might brighten your day too. I’ll close with something trite but true: remember the days are long but the years are short! Enjoy. Your. Life. Trust me, it’s later than you think! As for me, the next adventure has begun…

The family would like to send a special thank you to family friend Eileen Doench, Presbyterian Hospice RN Lori, as well as Debra and Martha. These women showed great compassion to Karen during her final journey.