Carole Ann (Kirby) Thomas

Shrewsbury - Carole Ann (Kirby) Thomas, 89, formerly of Shrewsbury, died peacefully on Thursday, January 16 at the Otterbein Assisted Living facility in Lebanon, Ohio. She was 89. 

Carole was born in Worcester on February 14, 1935 to late John and Lillian (Zukowski) Kirby. Raised in Worcester she graduated from Saint Stephen’s High School. She lived many years in Shrewsbury before moving to Ohio in 2017 to be closer with family. 

After remaining at home to raise her four children she worked with the Iandoli family at their Honey Farms locations. 

Carole was a woman who exuded authentic joy, enjoying moments to their fullest and sharing her heart, friendship, love, and stories with anyone she encountered. Carole needed little but gave and sacrificed often. She lived to provide comfort to her family, and she was a safe place that so many called home. She was loved and adored beyond measure. She was well known as Ohio’s number-one fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. She will be remembered for her talents as a great cook and the family’s best poker player. 

Carole is survived by her son Lou Thomas (Nicky) of Gilford, New Hampshire; her daughter Karen Moss (Todd) of Lebanon, Ohio; her sisters, Pam Dumas (Bob) and Jean Giles (Buddy) of Shrewsbury, MA; Carole is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews. 

She was predeceased by her daughters, Nancy Strand, and Kathy Perduta (late Peter); her sisters Paula McCabe and Donna Bidwell. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Carole’s by gathering on Saturday, February 15th in Mountain View Cemetery, Boylston Street, Shrewsbury, followed by a graveside service celebrated at 11:30 a.m. There are no calling hours. 

A luncheon to celebrate Carole’s life will follow at A.J. Tomaiolo’s Restaurant, 411 W. Main Street, Northborough. 

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.