Kathryn J. Thomas

Kathryn J. Thomas, nee Conrad of Lancaster, died on March 2 at the age of 98 after a brief illness. She was the widow of David H. Thomas, her husband of 66 years. 

Born on July 1, 1926, in Shickshinny, PA, she resided in Columbia County before relocating to Lancaster in 1953.

Upon graduating from high school, she entered nurse’s training at Philadelphia General Hospital as a volunteer in the United States Cadet (CNC) Nurse Corps. The U.S. Congress established this program during WWII in response to the shortage of nurses caused by the demands of the war. Like many members of the CNC, Kathryn pursued an extensive career in nursing. She worked in various capacities, concentrating on the surgical branch of medicine until her retirement.

A lifelong learner, Kathryn was a voracious reader of history and biography, often consuming two or three books each week until her death. She dedicated her life to serving her family, loved ones, and community. For many years, she was a volunteer docent at James Buchanan’s Wheatland. Kathryn was a long-time congregant of Redeemer Lutheran Church and Church of the Apostles UCC. She most recently attended services at Grandview Church. 

Kathryn was the daughter of William P. and Dora E. Conrad. She was preceded in death by her husband, David H. Thomas, and her siblings, William H. Conrad, Jean Y. Smith (Paul), and Mildred L. Conrad. She is survived by her son Jeffrey D. Thomas of Lititz and daughters Patricia K. Spotts (Kent) of Peach Bottom, Ann D. Thomas of Lancaster, and Pamela T. Stoner (John), with whom she resided. 

She was the grandmother of Jeremiah Spotts, Kary Connolly (Tim), Jessica Zeamer (Aaron), Alexander Stoner, and Ian Stoner, all of Lancaster, and Sydney Stoner of Philadelphia. Kay had two great-grandchildren, Oliver Keeney Stoner of Franklin, MA, and Gracyn H. Zeamer of Lancaster. 

She is also survived by her nephew Timothy Smith of Lancaster and many beloved relatives by marriage, the descendants of her father-in-law Harold D. Thomas of Columbia County, PA.

At her request, private services will be directed by the DeBord Snyder Funeral Home. Kathryn will be interred with her husband at Conestoga Memorial Park in Lancaster. 

If desired, gifts in her honor may be directed to the charity of your choice.