Adelyne Elinor (Tiracorda) Thomas, 98, died Thursday at her residence in North East. She was a long time resident of Madera.
Born Aug. 8, 1912 in Madera, she was the daughter of the late Gaetano and Angela Maria (Mary) Scrano Tiracorda. She was a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Madera. She served as treasurer of the Rosary and Altar Society for 20 years.
Mrs. Thomas was also a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church in North East since 1992. While living in North East, she was a member of the Woman’s Club and enjoyed gardening and reading. She loved sports and was a longtime Penn State, Steelers and Pirates fan.
She graduated valedictorian of Madera High School in 1930. She then attended Lock Haven Teachers College, where she graduated with honors.
She began her teaching career in one-room school houses in Bigler Township at the Manor Hill and Banion schools. She was also a dedicated elementary teacher in the Moshannon Valley School District.
Her teaching career spanned 34 years during which she served as treasurer of the Moshannon Valley Educational Association for six years. She was a member of the Clearfield County Association of School Retirees and life member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.
In her younger years, she was an excellent seamstress. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting and making many Afghans.
Mrs. Thomas is survived by her son, Andrew J. “Drew” Thomas, MD (Carolyn P. Wallace, Ph.D.) of St. Paul, MN and her daughter, Carmella M. Almquist (John F. Almquist, MD) of North East.
She leaves a legacy of 11 great-grandchildren and eight grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Roland G. Tiracorda of State College and formerly of Madera and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Andrew J. Thomas in 2000 after 58 years of marriage. They were wed June 15, 1942 at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Houtzdale.
Mrs. Thomas was also preceded in death by two brothers, Salvatore Tiracorda and Benjamin Tiracorda and two sisters, Domenica (Minnie) Cirillo and Carmella (Molly) Denzler.
Friends will be received from 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. Sunday and from
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Kruise Funeral Home, Inc., Madera. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Madera. Father Gregory A. Kirsch will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Madera.
Memorials may be made to the John Kanzius Cancer Research Fund, 915 State St., Erie, PA 16501, or to the Community Nursing Services of North East, 7 Park St., North East, PA 16428.
Condolences may be sent to condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com.
