Hello from our Memorial Garden! This week we introduce George and Molly Thoman, who have both been at peace in our garden since 2017. Their’s is a beautiful story.
George and Molly met at a Rhodes on the Pawtuxet dance, and by all accounts it was love at first sight. That’s undoubtedly true since their marriage lasted 63 years—wow! Molly was a nurse and George worked as a tool design draftsman for Brown and Sharpe. Although they both loved their professions, their lives entailed so much more.
In her obituary was a simple sentence: “Molly ‘decided’ to be happy, and she could make joy out of almost nothing at all.” Her materials were friendship, love, and a deep commitment to living a joyful and meaningful life. Molly was a life-long Unitarian. Her family joined the church in 1938, and her parents were instrumental in leadership; shepherding the church through several difficult financial times. She and George were married here, and they were ever-present at Westminster—Molly baked pies for the May Breakfast and made patchwork quilts for the Bazaar. She could be found in the kitchen whenever dishes needed doing—or anything else.
George was a quiet and humble man who died just 8 months after Molly. He was 96 years old and a real testament to a life well-lived by a decent and good man. He’s remembered as a “strong man who lived with hope, purpose, determination and creativity, despite the many challenges he faced.” Like Molly, he was a good neighbor, ever mindful of those less fortunate than himself, and always willing to help.
Molly and George are part of a very long tradition of service and love at Westminster. Their sacrifices and commitment, along with many, many others made it possible for us to continue “Carrying the Flame.” We, in turn, are currently building on their work and keeping our church strong for future generations.
In my next column I’ll tell you about how Molly’s father, Harlon Kneeland, (also a resident in our garden) saved Westminster from certain doom in the early 1950’s.
If you’d like to write a column for “In Our Garden” or find out more about how to reserve a place, please contact me, Eva, at egagnon@gmail.com.