Laura Jane Thomas

Laura Jane "Bella" Thomas, aged 53, of Boynton Beach, FL, passed away March 28, 2023. Laura was born October 9, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York to Edward Jay Martone and Virginia Anne Payne-Martone. Laura is the youngest of three daughters and loving mother of two. She is survived by her parents, Edward and Virginia, her sisters, Christine (Erik) and Elizabeth (John), her children, Julia and Brendan, and many family members and friends who loved her dearly. As a child Laura was the joy and sunshine of her family and our world revolved around our sweet girl. She loved to "perform" in costume on the tiles of the fireplace hearth along with her two sisters. Childhood in Floral Park, NY was idyllic with a wonderful group of friends from the neighborhood. Once her older sisters went off to elementary school Laura and her mom enjoyed regular outings to shop and eat at the A&S Department Store in Garden City and also spend hours at the thrift shop at The Cathedral of the Incarnation scoring incredible dress up costumes that brought endless fun for all of us plus our friends. Laura's incredible bond with her mother strengthened further during those years. Laura loved the family rescue dog, Muffin, with all her heart and she and her sisters were often seen pretending Muffin was really a wolf dog named Sasha. Muffin was also a phenomenal help at the dinner table as she would happily consume all unwanted vegetables slyly put under the table by Laura. Visiting both of her grandmothers in Brooklyn, and other dear relatives in Manhattan and Pequonnock, New Jersey were among the most memorable family times and reminisced about frequently. The novelty of periodic visits to her father at his high-rise office building in Lower Manhattan never wore off. The family temporarily said goodbye to New York with a move in 1976 to Republic, Missouri where Laura's father had many relatives who had done the same. This more rural life provided new types of fun and adventure as Laura and her sisters explored creeks, ran in fear from the largest grasshoppers and June bugs ever, and went to country music performances in Branson, MO. This may have been the time that began Laura's lifelong love of country music. After saying farewell to country life, the family returned to Floral Park and Laura graduated from Floral Park Memorial High School in 1987. She then attended Nassau Community College and then SUNY Cortland where she earned a degree in Education. She found lifelong friendship as a member of Nu Sigma Chi sorority. After college, she launched her career with Quantachrome Corporation. The company relocated to Boynton Beach, Florida. Laura along with many employees also made the move south and thus began the life in Florida she loved so much. Laura stopped working when Julia and Brendan were young and threw herself fully into motherhood, a role she cherished. Proud of the accomplishments of her children she found joy as they excelled in various activities. Julia's tuba playing in the Park Vista marching band and Brendan's high school wrestling for the same school were activities at which she vigorously cheered and thoroughly enjoyed. A lover of animals Laura always had one or more furry friends including rabbits, gerbils, cats and dogs. In particular her dogs, Jesse and Hershey, were beloved companions. When the kids were older she resumed her career with her beloved work friends and the job she loved at Quantachrome. Laura loved tradition and celebrating holidays and took great lengths to decorate her home beautifully for all occasions. She likewise loved dressing up for costume parties. Laura often hosted parties and celebrations at her home and entertained often. Her nieces and nephews loved their many visits to Florida to spend time with their cousins and family. Laura's warm laugh and ready smile were ever present through the good times as well as through her most challenging times. She had a great appreciation for life and enjoyed the outdoors, in particular enjoying Friday night beach nights with her friends, walking the boardwalks at Green Cay Wetlands or visiting the Morikami Japanese Gardens. Laura always looked forward to vacation getaways with family and friends and was always up for an adventure. Laura's generous heart, honesty and integrity were among the qualities that drew so many people permanently into her orbit as lifelong friends. Forever in our hearts. Service: Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 Palms West Funeral Home 110 Business Park Way Royal Palms Beach, FL 33411 Visitation 4pm-7pm with short service following