Norine Claire (Gingrich) Thomas, 89, of McAlisterville went to her Heavenly home on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 5:50 p.m. at the Valley View Haven Nursing Home, Belleville.
Born on July 9, 1927, in Fayette Township, Juniata County, she was the daughter of Margaret P. (Knouse) Gingrich Ziegler and Clair Roland Gingrich and was lovingly raised by her parents, her grandmother, Nora (Rannels) Knouse and her stepfather, Preston Roy Ziegler. On July 9, 1947 she married Robert S. Thomas who preceded her in death on August 25, 1995 after 48 years of marriage.
Surviving are her daughter, Pamala Zimmerman and her husband Calvin, of State College; her grandchildren, Tara Ruocco and her husband Michael, of State College, Michael Zimmerman, of Los Angeles, CA and two great grandchildren, Lily and Alex Ruocco.
One sister, Rae Anna Brandt and her husband Robert, preceded her in death.
She was a 1945 graduate of Fayette High School and a lifelong member of the Lost Creek Presbyterian Church, McAlisterville.
Mrs. Thomas was one of the last telephone operators for United Telephone, McAlisterville, before the system went to dial phones and was an “Avon Lady” for over 30 years. She was a talented calligrapher and watercolor artist and was known for her beautiful greeting cards.
Meme was the ultimate grandmother and loved nothing more than spending time with and cooking and baking for her family. She loved the ocean and gathering shells on the beaches of Cape May, New Jersey and Hutchinson Island, Florida and, of course, she adored anything chocolate.
Norine treasured her many dear friends and her home was always open and welcoming. She was truly loved and will be sorely missed.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from the Lost Creek Presbyterian Church, McAlisterville with the Rev. Graham C. Fowler officiating. Interment will follow in the Lost Creek Presbyterian Cemetery, McAlisterville.
Viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norine’s memory may be made to the Lost Creek Presbyterian Church, PO Box 91, McAlisterville, PA 17049 or to Valley View Haven, 4702 East Main St., Belleville, PA 17004.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.

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