Obituary of Aspasija Thomas

Aspasija “Pat” Thomas,105 years old, passed from this world on March 28, 2019. She married her husband Nicholas on February 22, 1936 in Bitola, Macedonia and accompanied him to Syracuse, NY. She and her husband owned and operated Purity Bakery on Harrison Street in the 1940s. Subsequently, she was employed by GE for nearly 19 years.

Aspasija was exceptionally talented at crocheting.  With her crochet hook, she lovingly made gorgeous bed-sized afghans for her married children and grandchildren, created beautiful baby dresses for her granddaughters, and donated heirloom quality Afghans and doilies, some of which were raffled off at Greek Festivals at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, where she was a parishioner for 83 years.

Her door was always open to all and many were fortunate enough to arrive after she had baked her delicious zelnic, a favorite Macedonian food.  For many, many years she baked and donated zelnics to be sold at the church festivals.

Aspasija has now joined her beloved husband, Nick, and daughter, Susan Maheras, for eternity. Surviving are her son, John and wife Joanne (Pirli) Thomas, her son-in-law, The Very Reverend John Maheras, 4 grandsons and their wives, Craig and Lori, Christopher and Marilyn, Kenneth and Deborah, John and Stephanie as well as 5 granddaughters and their husbands, Despina and John, Aspasia and Martin, Stefania and Daniel, Georgia and Patrick, Kristy and Peyton; along with 26 great grandchildren, three of whom are married, and 1 great-great grandson. Aspasija is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces, to include her niece, Margie, who took care of her many needs during the four years she resided at an assisted-living facility.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Ashley and her aids who cared for her with compassion.

She was loved and cherished by her entire family and numerous friends. She was amazing! God Bless her soul.

Viewing will be held at Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 2 between 5-7 p.m.

Funeral service will be at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3.