Born May 18, 1936 in Kingston, N.Y., she was a daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy (Miller) Hughes. Lovingly known to all as Dorby, she graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1953 and graduated from Alfred University in 1957 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
While in college, she met Richard V. “Dick” Thomas and they later married on June 29, 1957. She received her Master’s degree in education from Worcester State University. They moved to Worcester in 1957 and later Shrewsbury where they have been residents since 1960. After 56 years of marriage Dick died June 20, 2013. Following his death, she maintained their home for a few years before moving to the Community of Southgate in Shrewsbury.
“Librarians don’t know everything, they just know how to find out everything.” Dorby was a well-known and useful resource in her position as a librarian at the Worcester County Law Library for over 20 years before retiring in 2001.
Dorby’s faith guided her throughout her life and she was very active at her much-loved church, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Shrewsbury. She served a variety of roles, including financial secretary and church council member, and sang in its choir.
In addition to her church, Dorby gave back to the community. She served as a Town Meeting member, board member of the Shrewsbury Conservation Commission, member and past president of the Shrewsbury Historical Society, and precinct warden for the board of elections. Other interests included a love for travel, a good game of bridge or tennis, her friendships that ensued from her book clubs and love to cheer on the Red Sox.
She leaves her two children, Gregory S. Thomas of New York City and Cynthia Kazmac and her husband Christopher of Fair haven, N.J.; her granddaughter, Kelsey Kazmac; her brother, Douglas Hughes of Cataula, Ga.; and nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember Dorby’s life by gathering for calling hours Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 4-7 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center. Her funeral service will be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m., in Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 34 Prospect St., Shrewsbury. The Rev. Andrew Heisen will officiate. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Honor Dorby’s memory with a donation to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 34 Prospect St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
