Our mother, Eleanor Nancy (DeBlauw) Thomas, was born on September 1, 1942, to William Andrew DeBlauw and Aaltje "Ella" (Jans Moedt) DeBlauw. She was the second youngest of eight children, growing up in a lively home filled with family, music, and adventure. From the beginning, she embraced life with a joy and love that defined her.
Mom had a special connection to music. She adored the Beach Boys and other "good oldies," as she called them. When the music played, she couldn’t help but sing, dance, or sway along, her energy lighting up the room. Music was one of the many ways she shared her happiness with others.
She was also an artist, though she kept her creations within our family. Her artistic talents reflected her love of beauty and her deep care for those around her. But more than her paintings or drawings, her greatest works of art were the relationships she nurtured and the lives she touched. She had a special gift for connecting with little children and making them feel loved and valued.
As a young woman in her early twenties, our mother found the gospel of Jesus Christ, which became the foundation of her life. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and embraced its teachings wholeheartedly. In her late twenties, she met our father, Donald Archie Thomas, and they were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple on June 17, 1970. That sacred covenant profoundly influenced her choices and became the anchor of our family’s faith and unity.
Mom believed deeply in the promise that families can be together forever. That belief shaped her daily life and guided her actions as a wife and mother. She worked tirelessly to instill in us the principles of faith, love, and service. Through her example, she taught us to trust in God’s plan, even during life’s most challenging moments.
Her faith was especially evident during trials. In the mid-1990s, Mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The surgery brought complications, and we nearly lost her. Yet through her resilience and faith, she recovered and gave us the gift of more time with her. During those difficult days, her trust in the Savior and His Atonement inspired us all. She understood that Christ’s sacrifice offered not only redemption from sin but also comfort in sorrow and hope in the face of uncertainty.
Mom’s love extended beyond our family to the many people she served as a nurse’s assistant. Whether caring for patients in hospitals or helping individuals with mental health challenges, she brought compassion and kindness to every interaction. Her stories of the people she cared for reflected her belief in the divine worth of every soul.
As a mother, she was our fiercest advocate and our constant supporter. She encouraged us to pursue our dreams and taught us to treat others with kindness and respect. Even when we didn’t want her involvement, she was there, cheering us on and reminding us of our potential. She didn’t do everything perfectly—no one does—but she always tried her best for us.
Her stories of childhood, whether playing "king of the dump pile" or running around with her brothers and sisters, gave us a window into her life growing up. They helped us build connections with our aunts and uncles and gave us a greater appreciation for the family legacy we share.
Even in her later years, when memory loss made communication difficult, Mom found ways to connect with us. She would point to Dad and say, “He’s a good man,” a testament to the love and respect they shared. Her actions spoke louder than words as she continued to express her love through music, funny faces, and even playful antics that brought smiles to those around her. Her impromptu whistling concerts, complete with creative sound effects, became a cherished source of laughter in our home.
Mom’s determination and resilience were remarkable. At 71 and 72 years old, she rode her bicycle the number of miles equal to her age, astonishing all of us with her spirit and tenacity. She was stubborn in the best way—when she set her mind to something, nothing could stop her.
She adored her grandchildren with the same fierce devotion she had for us. She defended them, celebrated them, and believed in them wholeheartedly. If anyone ever spoke ill of them, she was the first to stand up in their defense, just as she did for us throughout our lives. She was a fighter when it came to her family, taking on challenges and bureaucracy with courage and determination.
The sealing of our family in the temple wasn’t just a one-time event; it was the foundation of Mom’s eternal perspective. She lived every day with the hope and conviction that we would be together forever. That belief brought comfort to her and to us, especially during the difficult times when her health declined. It reminds us now that, though she is no longer physically with us, she is still part of our eternal family.
The Plan of Salvation gave Mom a sense of peace and purpose. She knew that mortality is a temporary journey, full of trials and joys, and that through Christ, we could all be reunited. Her life was a testament to enduring faith, hope, and love. She faced her challenges with courage, relying on the Savior’s strength to carry her through.
On December 29, 2024, our beloved mother, Eleanor Nancy (DeBlauw) Thomas, passed away. Her final days were marked by the same grace and dignity with which she lived her life. Now, as she reunites with loved ones who have passed before her, we take comfort in the promises of the gospel. Mom’s legacy of love, faith, and service remains with us, inspiring us to live with the same eternal perspective she cherished. Her influence will continue to guide us as we strive to honor her memory and follow her example.
Though her earthly journey has ended, our mother’s spirit lives on. She is not gone; she is simply waiting for us, her faith fulfilled and her hope realized, in the presence of the Savior she loved and trusted. We love you, Mom, and we look forward to the day we can embrace you again.
