Dorothy Thomas

AUSTINTOWN - Dorothy Rudge Herschel Thomas died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, surrounded by members of her loving family.

Dorothy was born Sept. 21, 1934, in Youngstown, the daughter of the late J. Fred and Marjorie Welsh Rudge.

She attended St. Columba grade school and was a 1952 graduate of Ursuline High School. In 1956, she graduated from Mercyhurst College with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She then taught Business Education at Jackson-Milton schools for two years and later served as a substitute teacher at several local schools for nearly 25 years.

On June 28, 1958, she married Bernard Herschel; and they enjoyed nearly 25 years together until his death on May 13, 1983. On Nov. 18, 1995, she married John F. Thomas, who passed away on June 13, 1999.

She belonged to St. Joseph Church in Austintown, where she was an active parishioner, serving as a Eucharistic minister, a former member of Parish council, and a member and past president of Ladies Guild. Also active in her community, Dorothy was a member and past president of Catholic Collegiate Association, a member and past president of Three Arts Club, and a member of the Youngstown Federation of Women's Clubs, Al-Li-Va Garden Club, and the Ursuline Sisters Century II Club.

Dorothy is survived by her two children, Mary Ann Herschel of Austintown and James (Breanna) Herschel of South Bend, Ind.; her sister, Sr. Isabel Rudge, OSU; three stepchildren, John (Cathy) Thomas of Austintown, David (Brenda) Thomas of Columbus, and Mary Beth (Michael) Foley of Columbus; and one sister-in-law, Ann Louise Mika of Salem.

Affectionately known as "Mimi," Dorothy also leaves 12 grandchildren, Andrew and Lauren Fontanarosa; Allison, Brett, Daniel, and Kyle Herschel; Patrick Thomas; Jonathan and Meaghan Thomas; and Emma, Patrick, and John Foley.

Family will receive friends and loved ones today, Aug. 30, 2015, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home Austintown Chapel.

Closing prayers will be held on Monday, Aug. 31, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Austintown. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy's name to Beatitude House, 238 Tod Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504.

Finally, the family would like to thank the sisters and staff at Antonine Village and Hospice of the Valley for the care and comfort they provided to Dorothy.