Shirley A. Thomas

OXFORD – Shirley A. (Briddon) Thomas, 90, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Overlook Masonic Health Center in Charlton.

She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Carlton F. Thomas of Oxford who died in 2021. She is survived by three children, Donna Wenc and her husband Rodney of Grafton, Michael Sabourin and his wife Ellen of Shrewsbury, and Robin Dryden and her husband Frederick of Oxford; five stepchildren, Garry Thompson and his wife Joyce of Hazlet, NJ, Cheryl Bengtson and her husband Jon of Douglas, Lois Bunker of Oxford, Heidi Kenney and her husband David of Hubbardston, and Paul Thomas and his wife Tammy of Archdale, NC; two brothers, Robert Briddon of Millbury, and Donald Briddon of Scottsville, KY; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Constance Kokernak; and a granddaughter, Heather Thomas.

She was born in Millbury, daughter of the late Dell and Delia (Bruneau) Briddon, and lived in Millbury before moving to Oxford in 1973.

Mrs. Thomas worked many years beside her husband Carlton at their family owned and operated Carl’s Diner in Oxford, retiring in 1995. Previously she worked at Wyman-Gordon in Grafton and St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. Mrs. Thomas was a member of the Millbury Federated Church in Millbury, and attended the Oxford United Methodist Church in Oxford. She enjoyed spending time with her family, painting, music, dancing, camping, Disney World, and watching the Red Sox with her husband Carl on TV and especially in person at Fenway Park.

The family would like to thank the Overlook staff for their kindness and care provided to Shirley.

Services will be held privately, with burial at North Cemetery in Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460, or to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 85 East Concord St., Boston, MA 02118.