Susan Thomas

Lexington, KY- With great sadness, we announce the passing of Susan “Susie” Giancola Thomas, 90, formerly of Poland, Ohio, on July 12, due to complications related to kidney disease.

Susie was born on May 30, 1934 in Struthers, Ohio, to Diamante and Amelia (Dechellis) Giancola. She graduated from Struthers High School in 1952. Prior to her marriage, Susie worked at General Motors and Packard Electric and enjoyed spending time with her friends at Geneva-on-the-Lake. She loved the warmth of summer and basking in the sun for a glowing tan. 

In 2006, Susie left Poland, Ohio where she had raised her family and moved to Chicago to be near her four daughters and grandchildren. She lived in a 55+ condominium community and quickly won the hearts of everyone through her homemade Italian cooking. Susie cooked for everyone in the building, whether they were sick or just in need of a good friend. She started “The Girlfriends Club,” a group of residents who met on Tuesdays to play dice.

Due to health issues, Susie moved to Cincinnati and then to Lexington, Kentucky, in 2023, where she lived and was cared for by her daughter, Linda.

Susie had a heart of gold. She was a loving and caring mother and grandmother who gave all she had and more. She always put her family first, no matter what, and will be truly missed. Susie loved and was proud to talk about her “four girls." If you knew Susie, it was probably because she had cooked for you. When she invited you over for a "little meal," it usually meant she had prepared several dishes, and no one ever left hungry. Susie was kind, selfless, charming, and a best friend to many. We believe she is watching over us as our angel now.

Susie had great faith in God, was a member of Holy Family Church for many years and participated in several parish retreats.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Cindi (Sid) Sodolski of Chicago, Linda of Lexington, Kentucky, Michelle (Hector) Ferral of New Orleans, and Nicole (Jeff) Stanton of Cincinnati. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Sophia, Benjamin, Samuel, Nathan, Sydney, Samantha, and Emma; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Antonio and Nicholas Giancola; her sister, Virginia “Dolly” Romansik; and her husband, August Thomas.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time. Susie was loved by all who knew her and will be truly missed.

Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, and again from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed immediately by a prayer service beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church. She will be laid to rest at Poland Riverside Cemetery. 

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.