Rosalie Thomas

October 24, 1941 – November 4, 2021

Rosalie Thomas (nee Norcia), our beloved mother and mother-in-law, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, November 4, 2021, surrounded by her adoring family.

Rosalie is survived by her children Troy Thomas, Hilary Thomas, and Joseph (Adalie) Thomas. She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mamie Norcia, her beloved daughter Stephanie Thomas, dear aunt Phyllis Accardo, and her loving husband George R Thomas, known to his many friends as "Red."

Rosalie was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and attended Beaumont High School. After graduation, she worked in the secretary pool at Ralston Purina and was married to George Randall Thomas on July 16, 1966.

While raising three children of her own, in 1981 she opened her home and her heart to the care of newborn foster children awaiting adoption. Many beautiful babies began their life's journey in her loving care. Her selfless devotion to caring for newborns continued after the birth of her fourth child Joseph in 1984 until finally "retiring" as a foster parent in 1991. Still driven to serve the needs of foster children, she began work as an Administrative Assistant for Luther Children and Family Services, a position in which she faithfully served until 2007.

Rosalie loved to garden and spent countless hours curating and cultivating a spectacular display at her longtime home in Bridgeton, MO. After moving to her condo in Chesterfield, MO, she continued to indulge her passion by filling her deck with a cornucopia of flowering plants, as well as fresh herbs to use for her other leisurely pursuit – cooking.

A visit to Rosalie's place did not conclude without the persuasive offer to take home a bag of cookies, pound cake, fresh baked challah, or countless other wondrously delicious products of the gentle kindness of a fabulous cook.

Visitation Sunday, November 7, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Collier's Funeral Home. Service Monday, November 8, at 10:00 AM at Collier's Funeral Home followed by burial at Valhalla Cemetery, 7600 St. Charles Rock Road, St Louis, MO