After a long and rich life, Olive Hewitt Thomas died peacefully on April 4, comforted by her family. She was 97. Born on April 20, 1907, she was raised in Richmond, Virginia, and attended the University of Richmond. She married John W. Thomas, a graduate of the Naval Academy and Caltech. The newlyweds departed for California in 1940. Olive earned her secondary teaching credential at UCLA, but she soon sacrificed her passion as an educator to raise three children. A longtime resident, she took a keen interest in the community and devoted much of her time to the Children’s Recreation Service (where she served as chairman and president), Palisades Woman’s Club, the United Way, Community Chest (receiving the Distinguished Leadership award) and various election boards. She was also an avid bridge player. When her husband passed away in 1995, she became the matriarch of the family, greatly enriching the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grand children. She is survived by her children Sandy (husband Eugene) of Lancaster, Suzanne of La Jolla and Nick (wife Kako) of Pacific Palisades; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A radiant beacon of life, beauty and positive energy, she lived her life by one abiding principle’never say an unkind word about anyone. She will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2 p.m. at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park, 1218 Glendon Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.
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