Beverly K. Thomas

Beverly K. Thomas, daughter of Joseph J. and Blanche M. Kohler, died of brain cancer on November 16, 2022.  She was preceded in death by her best friend and beloved husband, Richard C. Thomas, sister Madelyn Dennis, and brother Gary P. Kohler.  She was 83 years of age.

 Survived by: brother Joseph (Joyce) Kohler; children Elizabeth (Edward) Matkom, Karen (Daniel) Diedrich, and Milo (Mary) Thomas; grandchildren Katherine, Elizabeth (Ryan), Joseph, Caroline, Clare, Andrew, Margaret, Luke, Steven, Meredith, Ann and Charlie; and, newly born great grandchild, Daniel Richard. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

 Beverly was born and raised in Flint, MI where she graduated from St. Matthew’s School and St. Joseph Nursing School. After nursing school, she moved to Milwaukee, where she was hired to teach at St. Mary’s Hospital while receiving her BSN from Marquette University.  At Marquette, she also pursued a Master’s in Nursing degree and was then hired to teach medical-surgical nursing. For many of her 40 years teaching at both Marquette and Carroll universities, her focus became inspiring students to work on public health issues in the Milwaukee community.

 Beverly was a woman of faith who treasured the time in her spirituality group lead by Sister Virginia Stone, BVM. She had many, many dear friends whom she loved chatting with in person and over the phone. Beverly loved to walk, read, bike, bake, as well as play games such as mahjong, scrabble, cribbage, Rummikub, bridge and the card game, Casino.  Beverly was always in awe of nature and especially appreciated flowers, sunrises, sunsets, rainbows and butterflies. One of her greatest loves was swimming and enjoying the view of Lake Michigan and the Florida coast.  White Sand Lake was a special place for Beverly and her late husband Richard where she cherished the time with friends and her children and grandchildren every summer.

 More than anything, Beverly loved her role as a grandmother (better known as “Nonny”). She was so very proud of all her grandchildren and delighted in everything they said and did! Her last wish was to see the birth of her first great grandchild -- and she did!

 Beverly’s determination to live and make every day count was on full display during the last months of her life.  Family extends our deepest thanks to friends, neighbors, and especially Beverly’s dream team of caregivers who helped Beverly live out her final days to the fullest.

 A visitation will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022 at Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 844 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM with eulogies commencing at 9:45 AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow.

Memorial contributions may to made to Christ Child Society and The Alzheimer’s Association.