Lydia L. Thomas, age 85, of New Castle, DE passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on January 5, 2026.
Lydia was born in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, raised in Wangen im Allgäu, Germany, then immigrated with her parents and brother to Wilmington, DE in 1955 where she attended Wilmington High School and graduated in 1959.
She started her working career at Kosowsky’s Market in Wilmington as a cashier. Lydia then worked for Delaware Trust Co. Lastly and for the longest, she worked for the Veterans Administration and Hospital until her retirement. But most importantly to Lydia was her vocation as mother, to both her immediate family and countless “adopted” children.
A loyal member of Ss. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church for 71 years, she was an active member volunteering for every church event possible. Whether teaching sunday school or running the bake sale table at the biannual bazaars or pinching pierogi in the church basement, Lydia was devoted to her church community. If there was a church doing good in the world, Lydia was there. She was also very active at Immanuel Church on the Green in Olde New Castle, where with her daughter she participated in the St. Anne’s Guild.
In addition to her church activities, she volunteered for many years at the Delaware Nature Society alongside her husband of 31 years, N. Keith Thomas, who died in 2006. She loved flowers and gardens and cultivated her passion for orchids as a long time member of the Delaware Orchid Society.
She was a regular patron of the arts in all forms, attending theatre and concerts whenever the opportunity arose. Summer weeknights she could be found at any number of local outdoor community concerts. Lydia loved travel, and took every chance she could to follow her actress daughter around the country to see her perform. Likewise she would soak in whatever local culture and cuisine she could find, always excited to try something new.
Lydia adored the beach and animals, especially dogs but also her stray yard cats who she seduced to love her with food. She loved playing games and cards with her friends whenever they could. She had hidden artistic talent, and a not so hidden talent as a home cook. No one ever left her home hungry.
She loved pickles and potatoes… soup and radishes… ice cream, crabs and Yuengling… and her fish staring at her… always staring at her… although (usually) not all of them at once.
She is survived by 5 children, Eleonore Thomas, Alan Thomas, Daniel Thomas, Douglas Thomas and Nils Thomas; a brother, George Leleko (Cynthia), 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, several nieces and great nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her son David Thomas.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 13 from 10-11 am at Ss. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1406 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE where a funeral service will follow at 11 am. Burial will be held at a later date at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE. There will also be a memorial service in the future at Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in her memory to Ss. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
