Jean S. Thomas

Jean S. Thomas, 82, formerly of Manheim, died Sunday, September 1, 2013 at the Luther Acres Retirement Community, Lititz. A Manheim native, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Elsie Miller Singer and the wife of the late Hoxie H. Thomas. She earned a bachelor of Music Education Degree at West Chester State Teachers College. During this time she spent six months in Switzerland as a 4-H IFYE “youth ambassador,“ after which she traveled across PA for six months giving talks to churches and community groups about her experiences.

A well-known music teacher in the Manheim area, she taught general and vocal music for 31 years, including 8 years as the music department chairperson for the Manheim Central School District. She was also a life-long, faithful, and active member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manheim, where she directed the church youth and adult choirs for 17 years. Following her retirement as choir director, Jean remained active at Zion for many years, both as a vocalist and a member of the church council. She will be long remembered not only for her beautiful voice and expressive singing, but also for how she brought her love of music to life in the church as well as in community choral activities. In 2010 Luther Acres awarded Jean The Spirit of Philanthropy Award for her volunteer and fund-raising activities.

Surviving is a son, Robert, husband of Bernadett Thomas of Germany; a daughter, Sue, wife of Robert Pyzdrowski of Hinsdale, Ill.; five grandchildren: Michael C. Thomas and Matthew, Kate, Cali, and Jon Pyzdrowski; a brother, Robert, husband of Meryl Singer of Lititz; and a sister, Cordelia Eisenhart of Arnold, MD. Preceding her in death are her husband Hoxie; a son, Michael H. Thomas; two brothers: Roger and James Singer; and a sister, Deborah Pinkerton.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jean’s memorial service at the Luther Acres Community Room, 250 St. Luke Drive, Lititz, on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 2:00 PM with Pastor James W. Roth officiating. Friends may visit with the family following the memorial service on Saturday afternoon. Interment will be private in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Brickerville.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Jean’s memory to Luthercare Caring Fund, 600 East Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543 or the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 2 South Hazel Street, Manheim, PA 17545.