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Claudine Marie Thomas passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born in Northeast Kansas City, Missouri, on January 19, 1930, to parents Bertha Golden McKinney Thomas and Clarence Thomas. She died in peace and comfort surrounded by family.
Claudine was a proud Nor’easter, a graduate of James Elementary School and Northeast High School, Class of 1946. She maintained her many school friendships throughout her life. Claudine completed studies at Penn Valley College where she achieved her Registered Nurse degree.
In 1949, Claudine married fellow Northeast graduate Vaughn James Hemry. While their marriage did not last, their love for their three children did. Claudine is survived by Mark Hemry (husband Jack), Collett Hemry (children Nicholas Stump (wife and children) and Douglas Stump), and Brett Hemry (wife Genalyn and daughter Francine). Also by sister RaeDell Thomas Wiseman (Don). Claudine was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Janice Thomas Bailey.
She was a long-time member of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Kansas City. The church and her friends there were an important part of her life.
Claudine had a thirst for life and experiences and was always curious to learn. Travel was a passion. She visited all 50 states and all continents except Antarctica. She would have loved to go there, also. She loved meeting people and making friends wherever she went and maintaining those friendships. She never met a stranger.
She worked hard to make the world a better place. She marched, protested, wrote letters, and campaigned for causes she believed in, particularly world peace, women’s rights, and the environment.
A memorial service for Claudine will be held at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 4501 Walnut St., Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, September 6, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to ACLU, American Red Cross, Planned Parenthood or NAACP.
Services will be streamed live via YouTube for those unable to attend.
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