Rawlings, MD – Ellen J. "Joann" (Christ) Thom passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at her residence.

Born October 10, 1933, in Cumberland, she was the daughter of the late Philip and Mildred (Sell) Christ. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Francis C. Thom, Sr.; sister, Patricia Trenton; and brothers, Philip and Robert "Bob" Christ.

Joann attended Saint Patrick's and Girls Central Catholic School. She was also a member of SS Peter & Paul and St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Joann was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and caretaker before everything. She was active in the PTA, and volunteering at both St. Patrick's and Sts. Peter and Paul where her children attended School. She was also active with the Knights of Columbus, helping with the CYL Athletic programs as well as playing Santa's Assistant (Mrs. Claus) at the Annual Christmas Jingle Party for many years. Most importantly, Joann was welcoming to everyone. For her children, the Thom home was always the neighborhood gathering place to have fun. Later in life, it became the summer vacation spot for her grandchildren to challenge their Nanny to a game of Trouble, Old Maids or just enjoy her famous Blueberry Muffins.

Joann is survived by her daughters, Christine Cook and husband, Ronald, Pasadena, MD; and Patricia Theis and husband, Todd, Newnan, GA; sons, Francis Thom, Jr. and his wife, Diana, Rawlings, MD; Philip Thom and his wife, Melanie, Emmitsburg, MD; Michael Thom and his wife, Kathleen, Cumming, GA, and a special niece/"daughter" Cynthia Trenton from Clifton Park, NY.

She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Carly Kalbrunner, Brooke Theis, Ryan Cook and wife Cheryl, Stephen Thom and wife Sydney, Jocelyn and Katelyn Thom, Nicole (Thom) Reaver and husband Sean, Joshua Thom, David Thom and wife Jaime; Jennifer Thom and Aaron Thom; and 8 great grandchildren: Joanna, Benjamin, Lauren, Avery, Gavin, Dustin, Eddie and Franklin.

In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Shrine of SS Peter and Paul on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

Inurnment will be in MD State Veterans Cemetery, Rocky Gap, following the mass.

In lieu of flowers and Joann's love of animals (especially dogs), donations can be made to Allegany County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 566, Cumberland, MD. 21501-0566, in honor of her memory.