Monica Mae Thomas

Monica Mae Thomas, age 74, passed away peacefully at Aurora Medical Center on June 22, 2025, with loving family at her side. She suffered a long illness.

Monica (Monie) was born in Watertown, South Dakota, on September 1, 1950, daughter of the late Leonard and Anna Mae (Nee: Koening) Thomas. She graduated from St. Catherine’s High School, and St. Luke’s X-Ray Tech School. Monica left her job as an X-ray tech to become a machinist. She worked at Acme Die Casting, Webster Electric, Danfoss, Harley-Davidson, and Andis. Monica was very involved with the UAW, here, in Racine. She also worked as an organizer for UAW several years in other parts of the country.

Monica was a very generous person with her time and financial resources. She listened to people’s problems helping them or finding more resources if what she offered wasn’t sufficient. She served as an intermediary in disputes. When she was needed, Monica stepped in to care for her friend’s children and they became her adopted family. She loved them, helped raise them, and they love her to this day.

Monica enjoyed time at her cabin in Wautoma. She was also quite an athlete in her younger years. She enjoyed traveling to several destinations in our country and to Italy. She loved to share stories about her adventures. She was a fun-loving woman who cherished time with friends and family. Monica will be remembered for her kindness and love.

Monica is survived by her sisters: Patti (Bob) Garin, Mary (Darrell) Tukua, Leonora, Lee, (Jim) Nehmer and several nieces and nephews. Monica is further survived by her special friend, Rose Hewitt, and Rose’s children: Ed (Shelly)Hewitt, Julie (Bill) Wendorf, Betty Hewitt, and their children, Ron (Jen) Hewitt, Monica (Paul) Tossava, Amanda (Chris) Binanti, Shawn Hewitt, Ryan (Rachel) Wendorf, Carmen (Gavin) Stark, Daniel (Alyssa) Wendorf. She will also be dearly missed by her dog Pepi. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her adopted son- Ron Hewitt, brother-in-law Richard Martin, nephew and wife Lorne and Renee Martin.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Monica’s life will be held at 11:30 AM, on July 18, Friday, at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for Visitation from 10:00 AM until time of Mass at the church. Private interment will be held in Eau Claire, WI. In lieu of flowers memorials to St. Lucy School or to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Aurora Medical Center, Garden level and the physicians for their compassionate, attentive care.