Ginny Thomas died peacefully at her home in Oak Harbor on April 24, 2007. She was born Nov. 5, 1946 in Madison, Wis., to John and Helen (Rynes) Heimbecker. She married David Thomas in Dane, Wis., on Oct. 22, 1966. Thirty-one years ago, Oak Harbor became their home.

Beyond a wonderful wife and mother, she was a pillar of strength for her family and community.

She was not one to seek recognition and was embarrassed by praise and accolades. It might be said that though not the center of wonderful things, she was central to their reality. She was the catalyst for many remarkable accomplishments.

You might have known her as the “flower lady” at local farmers markets, the former Director of Religious Education at the NAS Whidbey Chapel, as a founding member of the charitable group the “Crab Queens” or as the administrator of a private scholarship (Rural American Scholarship Foundation) offering higher education opportunity for the less fortunate in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Whatever your connection, you knew she was tireless in her love and service to others, genuine and pure of heart.

Most precious to her were friendships and for those she gives thanks.

Ginny is survived by her husband Dave of Oak Harbor; three children, Michael Thomas and wife Tina of Gig Harbor, Mark Thomas of Long Beach, Calif., and Trina Thomas of Oak Harbor; an adopted son, Casey Brennan of Sisters, Ore.; and two grandchildren, Grant Michael Thomas and Grace Madison Thomas of Gig Harbor.

Ginny is also survived by one brother, Leo Heimbecker of Dane; two sisters, Evelyn Martin of Dodgeville, Wis., and JoAnn Hamilton of Dane; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends from around the world.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at the NAS Whidbey Chapel on Tuesday, May 1, at 5 p.m. with Father David Young as Celebrant. A celebration of a life lived well will follow in the meadow at the farm she called home for the last 31 years on Fakkema Road. All those who knew her are welcome and invited to attend.

Flowers played a significant role in Ginny’s life, however in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to an endowment fund set up in her name. Donations may be made to the Ginny Thomas Honorary Graduate Fellowship, Eastern Washington University, 127 Hargreaves, Cheney, WA 99004.

Private family inurnment will follow at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.