Priscilla (Burney) Thomas, 97 of Tewksbury and formerly Andover and Waterview Village in Carver, MA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in her daughter’s home, with her daughter, Linda Sue Thomas, beside her. Priscilla was the widow of the late Richard L. Thomas who passed away in 2014 after 59 years of marriage.
She was born on January 1, 1928, in Scituate, MA and was a daughter of the late Carlton Burney and the late Alice (Litchfield) Burney. She was raised in Pepperell, MA and graduated from Pepperell High School with the Class of 1945.
Priscilla attended night classes at Nashua Business College. From 1948-1952, she served in the Navy as a WAVE and was stationed in San Diego, CA. Throughout her life, she had many places of employment. For many years, she worked at the Rockland Trust Company. She also worked as an insurance clerk, a legal secretary, a gift shop owner, a delicatessen co-owner, switchboard operator, and secretary at a greeting card company and at the American Lung Association.
After returning to Scituate, MA in 1954, she was introduced by her brother to Richard Thomas. They married in February 1955. They owned many homes together and enjoyed remodeling and decorating each one. In Massachusetts, they lived in Scituate, Pembroke, Plympton, Halifax, West Wareham, Plymouth, and Carver. They spent a few years in Leesburg, FL during retirement. After Richard’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, he moved to Blaire House in Tewksbury, and Priscilla moved to an apartment in Andover. Since the summer of 2023, she lived at Heatherwood in Tewksbury. Priscilla was an outgoing and friendly person who made new friends wherever she lived. She participated in activities at Waterview Village in Carver, at the Tewksbury Senior Center, as well as those at Heatherwood.
Priscilla enjoyed Scrabble, crossword puzzles, Words with Friends on her iPad, and regular card games with neighbors and friends. She loved crafts and in her younger days, was an avid knitter, crocheter, and rug hook maker. She loved going to thrift stores, consignment shops, and yard sales, and was frequently complimented on her fashion sense. Priscilla was a wonderful cook and baker; well into her 90s she baked muffins, Scotchie squares, and spinach lasagna for her daughter’s family.
In addition to her daughter, Priscilla is survived by her son-in-law Chris Flaherty, and her two beloved grandchildren, Helen Flaherty and Jaxon Flaherty, all of Tewksbury. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Osborne of Norwell; and several nieces and nephews, including godson Michael Burney of Sandy Springs, GA.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, the late Carlton Burney, the late Donald Edward Burney, the late David Burney, and the late Elizabeth Burney.
A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, July 13 at 10 am at Heatherwood at 1624 Main Street in Tewksbury in their activities room. At her request, private services will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery at Cape Cod in Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tewksbury Senior Center, 175 Chandler Street Tewksbury, MA 01876.