Judith “Judy” A. Thomas peacefully passed away on August 25, 2025, at her home in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania. Born 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, Judy pursued a career in nursing and became a Registered Nurse. In 1964, she embarked on an adventurous journey to Alaska with two friends, driving the Al-Can Highway. Upon arrival, she began working at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage.
That same year, Judy met William “Bill” Thomas, a Security Policeman stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base. After experiencing the Alaska 9.2 magnitude, Good Friday Earthquake together, they married in April 1964. They were blessed with two children, a son in 1969 and a daughter in 1971.
Raising prized bloodline German shepherds in the early 1970s was a passion for both Bill and Judy.
Judy embraced the Alaskan lifestyle, enjoying countless excursions like berry picking, mountain hiking and especially trips to “The Cabin” on Derf Lake at the foot of Mt. Susitna. These trips, often taken in Bill’s Super Cub floatplane, offered cherished weekends of serenity and natural beauty. Judy later earned her own pilot’s license and amateur radio license (WL7BXG), further deepening her connection to Alaska’s vast wilderness.
She was an active Den Mother in Boy Scouts, often transporting scouts and family friends in her little red VW bug-fondly remembered for its clown-car-like capacity. The Thomas household was always filled with animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, gerbils, a duck, a pigeon, a squirrel, and even seven Amazon parrots. Each creature was lovingly cared for and added joy to the home.
In 1994, Judy and Bill retired to Spring Creek, PA, near Bill’s hometown of Union City. They built their farm and began raising Belgian Draft Horses under the name Konstanty’s Belgians. Though intended as a business, it became a beloved collection of pet horses. Khan, the first horse born on the property, is still standing at 28 years old. Judy came out of retirement and worked at the Rouse Estate care facility for a couple years before deciding to fully retire.
Judy was a cherished member of her community, known for her generosity and thoughtfulness. She spent evenings poring over catalogs to find the perfect gifts for loved ones and delighted in visiting The Christmas Store in Erie. Her involvement with the Ladies Aid at the local church included donating festive paper plates for every occasion.
Her kindness extended to the local wildlife, who gathered around a serving of daily bread, vegetables, and corn. Scenes reminiscent of Snow White unfolded regularly, with many deer, woodchucks, raccoons, rabbits, and a gray fox sharing meals in harmony.
Honoring her wish to stay on the farm during her final days, Judy was cared for by her children as well as neighbors and friends from the community.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, William and Dena Thomas of Anchorage; her daughter and son-in-law, Alicia and Neil Winters of Fort Collins; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on September 5th at 1:00 PM at West Spring Creek Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Spring Creek Congregational Church Scholarship Fund, a college fund started by William and Judy Thomas. Contributions can be sent to:
West Spring Creek Congregational Church Scholarship Fund
PO Box 115, Corry, PA 16407
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Judy’s Book of Memories online at www.WarrenGlennFH.com
Arrangements are in the care of Warren-Glenn Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 62 S. Main Street, Union City.
So glad we met Judy, she was happy to share her experiences and a must to make a trip to the barn to see Kahn. Such a very interesting life. Thank you Bill for introducing your mom and bringing her to join us for dinner last year.
May she rest in peace 🙏