Hilda June Thomas

Hilda June Harper Thomas

Hilda Thomas of Potsdam, N.Y. went to be with our Lord on December 14, 2016, at the age of 93. She was born in Hopkinton N.Y. on August 20, 1923 to parents, Chester and Rachel Harper.

Hilda led a very active life. Over the years she cared for local children and families, worked at camping resorts, was a “Rosie the Riveter” at a US naval base in CA, and worked in retail (mostly in fabric stores). Her true love was sewing and she loved to share her passion with others. She was a leader in the Sinclair Corners 4-H Club, taught sewing classes at BOCES, as well as Adult Education sewing classes. She did alterations and gave private classes also. Her favorite, long time student was Sarah Jenack, of Potsdam. She was a member of the American Sewing Guild Association. Hilda was thrilled to travel to Monaco for the International Sewing Conference in 1973.

Hilda’s best ever project was her four children. She is survived by June Rybak, David (Cathy) Thomas, Julie Thomas, Jodi (Ed) Ellis ; and grandchildren Joshua Thomas, Scott Thomas, Glenn Phillips, and Casey Hammond. Aunt Hilda is also survived by loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings: Sylvia Williams, Leila Heagle, Jean Fiacco, and Evan Harper, her ex-husband Durward Thomas, and her long time friend Henry (Tim) Tyler.

Calling hours will be from 2-4 PM on Saturday, December 17 at Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, Potsdam with services to follow at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of St Lawrence Valley, 6805 US HWY 11, Potsdam 13676 or Potsdam United Methodist Church , 26 Main St.,

Potsdam 13676.