Barbara S. Thomas, a beloved member of the Longmeadow community, passed away on March 1, 2026, at the age of 92. Her death occurred in East Longmeadow, where she had spent her final years. Born on November 26, 1933, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Barbara was the daughter of the late Edward and Ruth (Folschild) Salmon and was raised alongside her two siblings.
Barbara graduated from South High School in Worcester in 1951 and began her professional career at the State Mutual Life Assurance Company. After several years of dedicated service, she chose to retire to concentrate on her family. This decision reflected her deep commitment to her husband, Clark A. F. Thomas, whom she married and with whom she shared 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2012.
The couple lived in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where they enjoyed a variety of activities together, including golf, archery, and ballroom dancing. Barbara was an active member of the First Congregational Church and the Greenfield Country Club. She also devoted her time to the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, reflecting her compassionate nature and commitment to community service.
Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Thomas of South Hadley and Ruth O’Donnell of Longmeadow. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Thomas and Norah O’Donnell, as well as her sister-in-law, Shirley Bodreau, and her niece and nephew, Marjorie McCarthy and Donald Sneade, respectively.
A memorial service and committal will be held privately at a later date, as per her family’s wishes. All arrangements have been entrusted to the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Barbara’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org, honoring her legacy of kindness and community involvement.
Barbara S. Thomas will be deeply missed by all who knew her, leaving behind a lasting impact on family and community alike.
