Elaine Thomas

Elaine C. Thomas, age 78 of Faribault, MN passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 17, 2018 at Brookdale Senior Living in Faribault.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive in Faribault with the Rev. Kevin Kenney officiating.  Interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N. in Faribault on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday for one hour prior to services.

Elaine Claris, the daughter of Lowell and Albina (Hartmann) Trudeau, was born on December 19, 1939 in Minneapolis, MN.  She attended Central High School and graduated with the class of 1957.  She would continue her education with classes at Metropolitan Community College.  On September 2, 1961 she was united in marriage to Edgar H. Thomas at the Incarnation Catholic Church in Minneapolis.  Edgar preceded her in death on July 13, 2009.  After their marriage Elaine stayed at home to raise their family and would later work for a short time at K&G Manufacturing in Faribault and Dyna Color in Northfield, MN.  Elaine was an avid church goer and her faith was an important part of her life along with her family.  She was a talented oil painter, loved playing cards and enjoyed playing cards at the Senior Center.  She also enjoyed traveling and collecting rocks and shells.

She is survived by her children, Ken Thomas (Kristie Pittmann) of Elysian, MN, Bonnie Thomas of Forest Lake, MN and Michelle Thomas of Faribault; by eight grandchildren, Heidi Thomas (Billy Hackett), Heather (Brady) Wilson, Kelley Murphy (Richard Selchow), Megan Murphy, Caitlin Murphy (Justin Meist), John Murphy, Laura (Erik) Heigel and Nathan (Angela) Seibel; by seven great grandchildren; by her siblings, Dennis (Penny) Trudeau of Lebanon, MO, Ardelle Gilbert, Monterey, CA, Marlys Kolhoff of Faribault, Sharlene (Mike) Hegland of Moundsview, MN and David (Carol) Trudeau of Rosemount, MN and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and by her brother, Ronald Trudeau.