Mary Louise (Mcalpine) Thomas

It is with great sadness that on Saturday, 17th of August 2024, we announce the passing of Mary Louise Thomas (nee McAlpine), of Bluffton, at the age of 75.

In 1949 Mary was born to Arthur and Doris McAlpine, and grew up in the Fayetteville, North Carolina area with her two sisters.  Born into an Army family, she moved around the country, getting to enjoy many of the wonders of the United States.

In 1970 she married Normand Thomas.  In 1971, Mary graduated from Trinity University, with a Bachelors in History. They then moved to Pennsylvania in 1977, where she worked civil service as a civilian for the United States Navy.  While serving with the Navy, Mary was instrumental in breaking many of the glass ceilings, and opening up new opportunities for others.

In Pennsylvania, she raised two boys.  After retiring from civil service, she moved to Bluffton, where she happily lived until she passed.  Mary enjoyed travel, her friends, golf, iced tea, eating out, movies, and trying to get her orchids to re-bloom every year.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband, Normand; her two sons, Richard (Jane) and Michael; her two sisters, Margaret and Barbara; and her three grandsons Cyrick, Paul, and Daniel.

Mary wished to be cremated in a private service, and will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.