Eleonore Helena Thomas

IN MEMORY OF: ELEONORE HELENA THOMAS Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Eleonore Helena Thomas of Carbondale, IL joined her family in heaven on February 12, 2024, at the age of 75, in her home surrounded by her family. Ellen was born on July 2, 1948 in Stade, Germany to Michael and Ingeborg (Russek) Charek. She was the first of their four children. She married her loving and devoted husband, Robert, on October 22, 1977. Together, they raised three children, Howard, Chris and Heather. Ellen grew up in an Air Force family, attended school in California, Okinawa, Illinois, and Florida prior to earning her degree in nursing from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. She worked as a RN for a time in Florida before relocating to Illinois. She received her BSN degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She worked for the VA hospital in Marion, Carbondale Memorial Hospital, and as an Infection Control Nurse and Evening Supervisor at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro for many years. Ellen belonged to the Shawnee Quilters where she and her fellow quilters created beautiful quilts to donate to The Women’s Center, Kids Quilts, and anyone else in need in southern Illinois and beyond. She was an avid gardener filling her garden and flower pots with beautiful colors. She enjoyed sewing, reading, and spending time with her family and loved ones. Ellen was also a fabulous cook and baker. She spent years perfecting recipes for all sorts of dishes and desserts that became family favorites. Ellen was a member of Boskydell Baptist Church, and sang in the choir. She was a lifelong music lover, and passed her passion for music on to her kids and grandkids. She is survived by her husband, Robert Thomas, of Carbondale, Mother, Ingeborg Charek of Cape Girardeau, son, Howard (Cheryl) Thomas of Carterville, daughter, Heather (Chris) Newgaard of Mt. Juliet, TN, grandchildren, Harrison Thomas of Nashville, TN, Brennen Thomas of Carterville, and Jackson and Isla Newgaard of Mt Juliet, TN. She is also survived by her two brothers, Nicholas (Roswitha) Charek of St Johns, FL, Michael (Janice) Charek of Portland, ME, and sister Ingrid (Tim) Walker of Tallahassee, FL along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Michael Charek, son, Christopher Thomas, and nephew, Nathan Charek. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 on Saturday February 17, 2024 at Crain Pleasant Grove – Murdale Funeral Home. Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM with the reverends Stephen Combs and Jim Cooper officiating with a graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and/or Boskydell Baptist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home.

Eleonore Helena Thomas

July 2, 1948 - February 12, 2024