Joan M. Thomas

WORCESTER-Joan M. (LaRose) Thomas, 61, of 161 Dewey St. died Friday, Nov. 26 at home.

She leaves her husband of 37 years, Stanley H. "Steve" Thomas; 3 sons, Richard J. Mathieu of Worcester, Paul A. Mathieu of Paxton and Steven H. Thomas of Sutton; 2 daughters, Kathleen T. Goodnow of Hubbardston and Sherry A. Pageau of Millbury; a brother, Robert J. LaRose of Rutland; 2 sisters, Nancy J. White of Worcester and Susan C. Sirmans of Southbridge; 8 grandchildren, a great grandchild, nieces and nephews. A brother, John P. LaRose predeceased her.

She was born in Worcester daughter of Robert J. and Valeria E. (Trombly) LaRose and graduated from St. Peter's High School. Mrs. Thomas worked for 21 years at Clark University. She was a member of St. Peter's Church and the pitch league at the Chester P. Tuttle Post in Auburn. Through Joan's inspiration the walking group LaRose Pedals was formed for the walk to Cure Cancer at UMass Memorial Healthcare.

The funeral will be Monday, Nov. 29 from FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 9 Hammond St. with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 931 Main St. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday, Nov. 28 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VNA Care Hospice Network, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.