Mildred J. (Sears) Thambash

Waltham – Mrs. Mildred J. (Sears) Thambash of Waltham died Sunday, November 8, 2015 in The Ellis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Norwood. She was 88.

Mildred was born in Oakland, California, on August 2, 1927, a daughter of the late Morris and Anna (Molloy) Sears. She was raised in Belmont and was a graduate of Belmont High School.

A Waltham resident for most of her life she was married to Waltham native John J. Thambash until his sudden death on April 20, 1982. Widowed with five children at the age of fifty-four, Mildred continued working long hours as the assistant manager for New England Stores on Lexington Street and later held the same position at Sue's Cards and Gifts on River Street.

She was an avid reader, an accomplished cook and baker and a terrific mother. She loved the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mildred and her family were always able to find joy in the company of one another and their extended family. They loved going to the beach at Good Harbor in Gloucester, at Wyman's Beach in Westford and to Rockport.

Mildred was always dressed and ready to go with her lipstick on and her coat at the ready for a day trip to go antique shopping, foliage touring or a mystery ride down Route 20. Staying at home with family meant cards on a Saturday night, enjoying a box of chocolates, an occasional serving of ice cream or a martini and the obligatory watching of General Hospital on television.

She was smart, loyal, strong, honest to a fault and had a heart filled with unconditional love.

Mildred leaves her children, Christine A. Gately of Sandwich, John R. Thambash and his wife, Lynne, of Woburn, Deborah E. Cardillo and her husband, Anthony, of Waltham, Joan M. McGinnes and her husband, David, of Norwood and David J. Thambash of Maynard; ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was also the sister of the late James Sears.

Family and friends will honor and remember Mildred's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, November 13th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.