GLENS FALLS --- Judith Ann Byers Thomas, 71, of Glens Falls, NY, passed away on November 4, 2019, at the end of a full life and in close connection to her loved ones.

Judy was born in Glens Falls, New York, on September 9, 1948. Judy took great pride in helping raise her six sisters and brother while maintaining good grades and standing out on the basketball and soccer teams at Glens Falls High School. She went on to play on her college teams while pursuing a degree in Administrative Sciences at SUNY Cobleskill. Judy often reflected on her favorite college memories, falling in love with horses in a horseback riding class and going out dancing with her friends.

While visiting home on a break from college in 1967, Judy went on her first date with Robert Thomas, her future husband. Judy and Robert were married on August 24, 1968, at St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls. They would raise four children – Robin, Amy, David and Benjamin, while living in Cambridge, MA; Manchester, NH; Danville, VA; Glens Falls, NY; Malone, NY; Rockford, MI; and Palm City, FL. Judy's careers included managing a book store and law office, founding and operating a Bed and Breakfast, creating her own shop, "Judy's Baskets," at the Market Barn in Malone, and getting her nursing certificate later in life to serve as a caregiver for maturing seniors, each one of whom she closely befriended.

To say that Judy was a devoted mother, sister and friend is an understatement; she was an anchor of love, guidance and stability in each community in which she lived. Judy dedicated her life to those around her, especially her family and several friends' families that she always kept close. Judy was a prolific reader who passionately followed world affairs, business and finance on the news each day. She often shared her convictions and incredible sense of humor over coffee and laughter with loved ones at her favorite kitchen table.

Judy is survived by her friend and former husband, Robert Thomas; children, Amy Smith, David Thomas and Ben Thomas; sons-in-law, Bill Smith, Kyle Messemer and Joe Dion; grandchildren, Matthew Dion, Cooper Messemer and Billy Smith; sisters and their spouses, Colleen and Larry Turner; Mary Lou and Nick Catalfamo; Linda Byers and John Aesch Sr.; Carol and Jim Baker; Anne and Don Roche; Sandy Byers; as well as their children, grandchildren, and many dear friends who were considered family. Judy is predeceased by her daughter, Robin Messemer, brother, Art Byers, sister, Noelle Harvey, parents, Mary and William Byers, and her grandparents.

The family has entrusted Baker Funeral Home with the arrangements. Calling hours are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 16 at 11 Lafayette St. in Queensbury, NY, followed by a 1 p.m. service and a local reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations for the Franklin County Down Syndrome Society are being collected at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/memorial-donation-fund-for-judy-thomas , or via check to "FCDSS" c/o Amy Smith, 257 Duane St., Malone, NY 12953.