Obituary of Bernice I. Thomas

COLTON -- Bernice (Gotham) Thomas, 94, formerly of Colton, NY, died peacefully on September 14, 2024, at the United Helpers facility in Canton NY, with her family present. Calling hours will be on Sunday, September 22, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, at the Buck Funeral Home in Colton. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Patrick's in Colton, NY, at 10:00 am on Monday, September 23. Burial service will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery. Bernice is survived by her four children: Ronald (Sharon) Gotham, South Colton; Karen (Roger) Murray, Pierrepont; Daniel (Kathy) Gotham, Seneca Falls; and Becky Thomas (Amy O'Brian), Rochester; Her grandchildren include Sherry, Megan, Corey, Amanda, Kyle, Kerry, Devin, Brenden, Hilary, Lindsay and Troy, as well as multiple great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by sisters Theresa Burcume and Kathleen Hepburn, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Michael and C. Millie Gorman; her husbands, Wendell Gotham and Allen Thomas; sons, Martin Thomas and Timothy Thomas; sisters, Helen Deugaw, Margaret Todd, Grace Casselman; brothers, Richard, Joseph, John, Francis, Edward and Harold. Born in South Colton, on March 10, 1930, to Michael and Millie Gorman, Bernice graduated from Colton High School and married Wendell Gotham in 1948. He died tragically in an automobile accident four years later. She then married Allen Thomas on August 5, 1955. Allen pre-deceased her in 1988. Bernice was a dedicated, caring and busy mother who took pride in her family and their successes, raising them in the South Colton and Colton area. Later she worked in several stores and assisted families by providing childcare. She was a devoted parishioner of St Paul's and St Patrick's Churches and the Altar and Rosary Society. The Red Hat Society provided much enjoyment as she was able to make many new friends. Her rabid support of SU basketball was legendary! For many years you could find Mom (Grandma) in the stands, on the sidelines or in the auditorium for countless Colton-Pierrepont athletic contests, events and concerts. Snowmobiling and cross country skiing were some of her favorite winter activities. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the Cherry Cottage staff at United Helpers for their kindness and care for "Bernie" over the past several years. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Colton Rescue Squad or a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Buck Funeral Home in Colton. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com .