Pat Thomas

Patricia Ann Thomas

of Smithboro

Patricia Ann Thomas, affectionately known as Pat to her loved ones, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, at the Robert Packer Hospital in in Sayre, Pennsylvania. Born in Binghamton, New York, on December 3, 1942, to John and Irene (Kurty) Kocan, Pat's journey through life was marked by her loving nature, kindness, and boundless creativity. She is remembered as a beacon of light and warmth by all who knew her.

Pat's devotion to her family was the cornerstone of her life. She is survived by her children: Scott Thomas, Penny (Steve) Merrill, and Gary "Butch" Sergeant, Mark Sergeant, and Fred Sergeant. Her legacy also lives on through her several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will cherish their memories with her. Pat's brother and sister-in-law, Philip and Fay Kocan, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, also hold dear the time they shared with her. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Vincent Thomas, Sr., her son Vincent Thomas, Jr., her sister Theresa Bills, her daughter-in-law Karen Sergeant, and her grandchildren Valerie and Zacary Thomas.

Throughout her life, Pat held various positions that reflected her versatile talents and strong work ethic. In her early years, she served as a waitress at the Elbow Room and worked at the Lounsberry Truckstop and Endicott Johnson. Her passion for teaching led her to Broome-Tioga BOCES, where she imparted her knowledge of machinery and assembly work. Pat's career also included time at HADCO and Endicott InterConnect Technology. In the 1990s, she embraced a new challenge by learning to drive a tractor-trailer, a job through which she met many people and expanded her horizons.

Pat's interests were as diverse as her career paths. A talented crafter, she had the extraordinary ability to transform ordinary objects, such as an empty box, into beautiful decor items. Her skills as a seamstress were unparalleled, and her love of flowers, gardening, and canning homegrown vegetables brought beauty and sustenance to her family and friends. She was also an avid user of Pinterest, always seeking new ideas and inspirations.

A faithful member of the Barton Riverside Church, Pat's spiritual life was enriched through regular Bible Study attendance. She cherished the opportunity to host family dinners, believing that such gatherings were the fabric of a tight-knit family. Her family, indeed, was the world to her, and her home was always filled with love, laughter, and the aroma of her delicious cooking.

One of Pat's favorite quotes, which she often shared with her loved ones, encapsulates her approach to life: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do," by Steve Jobs. This philosophy was evident in every aspect of her life—from her professional endeavors to her hobbies and her role as a matriarch.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Pat’s life on Saturday, April 5th at 1 pm at the Barton Riverside Church, 511 Old Barton Rd., Barton, NY with her pastor Rev. Alan Bill, officiating. A gathering and period of fellowship will follow. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com

Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Barton Riverside Church, 511 Old Barton Road, Barton, NY 13734 (be sure to place Pat’s name on the memo line)

Pat will be remembered as a woman who lived her life with a loving heart and kind soul. Her creative spirit and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. As we bid farewell to our mom, grandma, sister, aunt and friend, we take solace in knowing that her love and teachings will continue to guide us. Her memory will be treasured forever as a reminder of the beauty and kindness that one person can bring into the world.