Obituary: Kathleen ‘Kate’ Thomas, advocate for LGBT elders

Kathleen “Kate” Thomas, of Jamaica Plain, passed away at home on Aug. 25, at age 41.

Born in Bangor, Maine, on March 15, 1973, Kate was a graduate of Riverview High School in Oakmont, Pa. She received her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and was a licensed social worker.

Kate was an advocate and champion of LGBT elders. Through her work at Somerville Cambridge Elder Services, Kate founded the Cambridge Café at Ryles, originally Cadbury Café, a monthly dinner for LGBT seniors. In June, the Cambridge LGBT Commission presented her with a Recognition Award at their 24th Annual Pride Brunch.

Kate was treasured by her neighbors, coworkers and friends for her caring and generous spirit. She loved cooking for people while listening to Nina Simone, and she’d never turn down perfectly ripe raspberries or a well-poured Guinness. She will be remembered as an avid sports fan, doting cat mom to her sweet Rosie, and lover of all things dance, Muppets and “Sesame Street.”

She is survived by longtime friend and partner, Tina Cincotti of Jamaica Plain; her father, Calvin Thomas II of Daytona Beach, Fla., and his partner Janie Phillips; her brother, Calvin Thomas III of Lake Hopatcong, N.J., and his partner Vicki Hantke; her uncle and aunt, Timothy and Ann Rittal of Anchorage, Ala.; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marilyn Hancock and Frank Cincotti, both of Randolph; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael and Kristen Cincotti, and her niece and nephew, Kyla and Leo Cincotti, all of North Attleboro. She was the daughter of the late Constance Rittal Thomas.

Visiting hours were at the P.E. Murray Funeral Home in West Roxbury, on Sept. 2. A celebration of life was held on Sept. 3 in Jamaica Plain. Interment will be private.

Donations in her memory may be made to the LGBT Aging Project. Please make checks payable to “Fenway Health,” indicate “LGBT Aging Project” in the check memo line, and mail to Fenway Development Dept., 1340 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215.

Kathleen "Kate" Thomas. (Courtesy Photo)

Kathleen “Kate” Thomas. (Courtesy Photo)

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