Susan Kay Thomas

Susan Kay Thomas passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2015, in her home with her family by her side, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at St Pauls Episcopal Church on Monday, February 9, 2015. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday February 8, 2015, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery in Rock Island , Illinois, Memorials may be directed to, Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation and Iowa River Hospice. For condolences or questions please visit: www.mitchellfh.com. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Susan. Phone 641-844-1234 Susan was born on October 17, 1947 in Rock Island, IL, the daughter of Jack and Jeannette Fensterbusch. As a child, her grandmother taught her to sew, which was a true passion that carried on throughout her entire life. After graduating from Rock Island High School in 1965, Susan attended The University of Iowa in Iowa City, where she was a dancer for the Scottish Highlanders and a member of Alpha Phi. She later attended the Moline Lutheran School of Nursing in Moline, IL. After graduating, Susan began a nursing career in Iowa City and later moved to Rockford, IL after marrying Dr. David L. Thomas in 1974. They established their home in Marshalltown, IA in 1977 and started their family. Though she worked in various fields of nursing, Susan enjoyed geriatric nursing most of all. She worked in several nursing homes both as a Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing. Susans artistic abilities fed her entrepreneurial spirit, starting Finishing Touches in 1988. Countless homes and businesses in the Marshalltown area showcase her keen sense of design and exceptional sewing talent. In 1997, she broke ground on Woodland Creek Apartments, which she owned and managed since inception. Susan was honored to serve on the Board of Directors of Pinnacle Bank over the last 15 years, strengthening her bond with the community through her service. In 2010, Susan joined forces with her good friend and designer, Julie Miller, starting J. Thomas Interiors. Her years in partnership with Julie at J. Thomas were some of her best, as she was able to focus on what she loved most, fabrication of window treatments and home accents. Susans home was her sanctuary, with no corner untouched by the beauty of her creations and hard work. She loved spending time in her gardens with her dogs, Maggie and Calli. Susans heart far outsized her small stature, and she gave generously of her time, talents, and love. She opened her home and life to many, and considered almost everyone she met a friend. Susan had a true gift for human connection, and this gift has had a more lasting impact than probably even she realized. Susans life was a wonderful example of the power of faith, family, inspiration, and courage. Her tireless spirit, infectious can-do attitude, and quiet dignity is greatly missed, but will live on in those blessed enough to know, love, and be loved by her. Susan is survived by her children, Nami Fujiyama (John Kim) and their children Tyler and Mason of Highlands Ranch, CO, Tana Thomas of Marshalltown, Paige (Jamie) Miller and their children Estelle and Evelyn of Cedar Falls, IA, Drew (Alyssa) Thomas of Chicago, IL, Aleksandr Thomas of Des Moines, IA, her brother Alan (Sue) Fensterbusch of Cape Coral, FL, her childrens father, David Thomas of Marshalltown, IA and her childrens Godmother, Cherie Stanley of Marshalltown, IA. Her parents preceded her in death.