Graveside Services for Linda Maree Thomas & her husband Merlin "Joe" Thomas, will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 12:00pm at the St. Stephens Cemetery, Belfort Rd., Croghan, NY.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13th from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm at the American Legion, Croghan, NY.

Linda Maree Thomas, 85, of Sebring, FL, and Carthage, NY, passed away peacefully on February 11,2025 in Sebring, Florida.

Linda was born on October 2, 1939, in Carthage to the late Donald and Thelma Fahsel. Linda dedicated her career to caring for others as a skilled phlebotomist. She married Merlin Joseph Thomas in August of 1968. Joe, a former employee of Gamble Distributors in Carthage, passed away on April 8, 2024. For over 20 years, the couple spent winters in Sebring, Florida, embracing the warmth and community of their winter home.

She was also a proud member of the Sebring Elks Lodge, where she found friendship and camaraderie.

A devoted and loving mother, Linda is survived by her children: Laurie Gates Hickey (Randy) of Carthage NY, Kenneth "Tony" Anthony Gates (Christine) of St. Petersburg, FL, and Daniel Merlin Thomas of Sebring, FL. She was a cherished grandmother to six grandchildren and a great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Joseph, a brother, Timothy Fahsel Sr. and a sister, Susan Gardner White.

Linda had a deep love for her family, often showing her affection through home-cooked meals, with her apple pie being a beloved favorite. She was a kind, thoughtful, and supportive mother and grandmother, always putting her loved ones first.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures—playing bingo, where her skill and luck often led to victory, and expressing her creativity through arts, crafts, and sewing. A lifelong animal lover, Linda had a special fondness for her pets, especially Himalayan, Persian, and Siamese cats, as well as Westie dogs.

Linda's warmth, generosity, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her family finds comfort in the many wonderful memories she created and the love she shared.

Arrangements will be announced when finalized. The Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage is assisting the family with arrangements in New York. To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.