CALAIS – Jennifer “Jennie” Thomas, 81, died Jan. 5, 2010, with her family by her side at a Calais hospital. Jennie was born April 1, 1928, in Nova Scotia, to Fredrick and Rose (Sanford) Burgess. She later moved to Calais, where she raised her family and married Kenneth S. Thomas, Aug. 9, 1954. Jennie was active in her community, as she was a member of the Orion No. 45 Eastern Star, Calais and a part of The Episcopal Daughters of St. Anne. Jennie enjoyed working in her rose garden, but most of all she enjoyed her family. In 1955 she and her husband, Smitty, opened The International Motel, Calais, which is still family owned and operated today. In addition to her parents and husband, Jennie was predeceased by two sisters, Evelyn Caswell and Faye Melanson. She is survived by a son, Kenneth Thomas Jr. and his wife, Karen, of Calais; a daughter, Terri Coutu and her husband, Michael, of West Warwick, R.I.; a sister, Lynda McKeil of Ontario; three brothers, Vernon Burgess, Bernard Burgess and Russell Burgess, all of Ontario; five granddaughters, Holly and Leah Coutu, both of West Warwick, R.I., Alissa, Cassondra and Airelle Thomas, all of Calais; a grandson, Nicholas Thomas of Calais; and a special friend, Joan Parks of St. Stephen, New Brunswick. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 29 Church St., Calais, where a Mass will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 29 Church St., Calais, ME 04619; Calais Regional Hospital, 24 Hospital Lane, Calais, ME 04619; or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.
JENNIFER V. THOMAS
