Mary K. Thomson

Mary K. “Kay” Thomson nee Holden, on October 17, 2012, of Washington Twp. Age 99. Devoted mother of John A. Rebeca, Kathleen M. Howell Raymond and Francis X., Jr. Roberta. Loving grandmother of Anita, Tina. Susie, Raymond, Jr., Steven, Deborah, Jennifer, Brian, and Daniel. Proud great-grandmother of Zane, Jax, John, Carissa, Zuri, Sage, Cornelius, Penelope, Robbie, Nate, Dylan, Lila, and Rowan.

Mary “Kay” Thomson was a true matriarch and daughter of God. Whether you called her, “Mom,” “Grandma,” or “Kay,” she always responded to her responsibilities and challenges in a gracious manner and with a heart full of love.

She was born Mary Kay Holden to her parents, William and Annie, in Providence, Rhode Island. She was an only child, but she made many friends in the local Catholic school. Her class was so large and had so many Mary’s in it that the teachers called her “Kay” to distinguish her from all the others. That became her nickname.

Kay’s early years involved attending grade school, completing high school, and pursuing a career as a secretary. In the late 1930’s, she met Francis X. Thomson, Sr., an aspiring chemical engineer. They married in 1940, and she moved with “Fran,” her special name for her husband, to South Orange, New Jersey where Fran became a professor at Seton Hall College.

With her husband’s career change, working for RCA as a chemical engineer, the family moved to Cherry Hill, New Jersey where her three children– John, Kathy, and Frank, Jr.—were raised. They all attended St. Peter’s Church and School to fulfill their religious obligations. Kay and her husband were very active participants in the church, school, and athletic lives of their children. For Kay, God was a very important part of her family’s life.

By 1974, Kay’s three children were all married, pursuing their own careers and raising their families. As the families grew, she became the grandmother of nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. She was dearly loved and respected by them all. Regardless of any problems that arose over the years, Kay always displayed her unconditional love for all her children and grandchildren.

Mary “Kay” Thomson lived through some dark days of American history — the Great Depression, World War I, World War II, and several other wars. She faced her own private and familial challenges courageously. That is why we remember her today for her spiritual insight, her caring ways, her fantastic sense of humor, and her inveterate hospitality that made everyone feel welcome and special in her presence. This truly was a life well-lived in the Lord.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Friday 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the EGIZI FUNERAL HOME, 119 Ganttown Road, Washington Twp., and Saturday 10:15 – 11:00 am at SS. Peter & Paul RC Church, 362 Ganttown Road, Washington Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 11:15 am. Entombment Arlington Cemetery, Pennsauken.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay’s memory may be made to the Cardinal Village, 455 Hurffville Cross Keys Road, Sewell, NJ 08080.

“A Life Well Lived
Is Worth Remembering”