Rosemary June (Hillyer) Thomas

Rosemary June (Hillyer)Thomas, 95, of Lafayette, Indiana, peacefully passed away on October 3, 2022 at University Place Assisted Living in West Lafayette, surrounded by people who loved her. She was born on December 13, 1926 to Kenneth A. and Fairy M. (Brown) Hillyer in Williamsport, Indiana. She graduated from Williamsport High School in 1944 and began working for Dr. William Pfeifer in Attica as a work and learn optician, where she remained for 18 years. On January 11, 1947, she married Gerald "Leroy" Thomas in Williamsport, and they shared a long and happy life together. In 1962 the moved to Fort Pierce, Florida, and there she was employed by Dr. Frank Finger as a licensed dispensing optician until her retirement in August, 1987. Later that year they moved to Salem, South Carolina and lived there until 1996, when they returned to Lafayette. Leroy passed away on June 16, 2010, and although Rosemary continued to live in their home, she was lonely without him, and finally, in November, 2018, she moved to University Place, which she often said was the best move she could have made at this stage in her life. She easily made many new friends, and enjoyed visiting with them, playing bingo, and "resting her eyes" while sitting in her recliner watching tv. She was thankful for her friends, family, and the staff at University Place, and she spread joy wherever she went with her kindness and positive outlook. Rosemary was a strong, independent woman with a sharp mind right up to her final days. She loved deeply, and was deeply loved, and she will be greatly missed. She was proceeded in death by her parents; brother, Wayne Hillyer, and sister, Carla Bever. She is survived by her niece, Andrea (Richard) Hammersley of Peru, nephew, Randall (Cathy) Hillyer of Lafayette, many cousins, including Sandra (David) Collier of Lafayette, Melinda Bond (partner Troy Anderson) of Lafayette, and Robert (Kristi) Collier of Lafayette. The family would like to thank the staff of University Place,and Kathy Dyer, RN, of Elara Caring Hospice for providing tender loving care and compassion to Rosemary. It meant the world to her and to us. Visitation will be held at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Tuesday, October 11, from 2:00-3:00. Graveside service and interment will follow at Highland Cemetery in Williamsport. Memorial contributions may be made to Loving Heart Animal Shelter in Lafayette. Online condolences may be made at www.gradyfuneralhome.com.