1970
Kacey
2024
Kacey Thoma
September 24, 1970 — September 6, 2024
Kacey Thoma Obituary
Kacey Dee Thoma passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the age of 53 years, after a long illness. Born on September 24, 1970, in Anaheim, CA, Kacey was a beacon of light and love to everyone around her. She was predeceased by her father, Thomas Thoma of Wallingford, CT and her brother, Scott Thoma of Keller, TX.
She leaves behind her devoted mother, Diane Ruehl of Westbrook, CT, who was her biggest fan and with whom she shared a deep and enduring love. She is also survived by her stepfather, Fred Ruehl; stepmother, Elaine Thoma; sisters, Kristen Wall of Clinton, CT (Jim) and Alexis Thoma of Wallingford, CT; brother, Nicholas Thoma of Wallingford, CT; and nephews Griffin and Connor Wall of Clinton, CT.
Kacey was diagnosed at birth with Cerebral Palsy, which didn’t allow her to talk or walk unassisted. Her life journey was not without its challenges, but through each obstacle, she showed us what true resilience looks like. She approached every day with bravery and strength that belied her vulnerabilities and uplifted countless others in the process.
Her smile, so full of pure joy and warmth, had the power to light up a room and lift the spirits of everyone she encountered. She loved to be immersed in nature, with fishing as one of her favorite pastimes. She also loved to go swimming. Music provided a soundtrack to her life's journey and uplifted her spirit. Some favorites that held special memories were the Beatles, Beach Boys, and the Irish tunes that her Dad played on the guitar.
Kacey's true nature was most evident in her interactions with family and friends. She was always eager to join a group gathering and spend time in the company of others. She especially enjoyed traveling by plane to visit out-of-state family members, with her closest caregiver, Carmen Carbajal, making it possible. She greatly enjoyed attending summer camps at Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT.
One of the most profound qualities of Kacey's life was her ability to find happiness in simple things. Whether it was her delight over a favorite meal, picking flowers in her mom’s garden, or her laughter at the simplest of jokes, she had an innate ability to appreciate life in its purest form. Her joy was infectious, reminding all of us to take pleasure in the everyday moments that we so often overlook. Her deep, mischievous giggle will always be remembered by her family and caregivers.
Kacey found immense fulfillment in her years at the Baroco day habilitation program in South Windham, CT. Whether it was creating a craft, playing a game with her peers and leaders or honing a new life skill, Kacey engaged with life fully and enthusiastically through this program. These activities were not just a pastime for Kacey; they were an expression of her individual gifts and kept her connected to a greater community.
Kacey's life was a testament to the beauty of a soul that shone brightly, touching lives and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those she met. Her life, though marked by challenges, was also filled with triumphs – triumphs of spirit, of love, and of the ability to inspire those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the importance of embracing life despite distinct challenges.
Thank you, Kacey, for the lessons you taught us, for the joy you brought into our lives, and for the privilege of knowing and loving you. Your spirit will continue to inspire us.
Rest in peace, sweet girl.
A private graveside service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Resurrection Cemetery in Westbrook, CT, to honor the memory of Kacey Dee Thoma. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Kacey’s memory to Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery in Springfield, IL. miniobeirne.org.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Kacey Thoma, please visit our floral store.
Read More
Kacey Dee Thoma passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the age of 53 years, after a long illness. Born on September 24, 1970, in Anaheim, CA, Kacey was a beacon of light and love to everyone around her. She was predeceased by her father, Thomas Thoma of Wallingford, CT and her brother, Scott Thoma of Keller, TX.
She leaves behind her devoted mother, Diane Ruehl of Westbrook, CT, who was her biggest fan and with whom she shared a deep and enduring love. She is also survived by her stepfather, Fred Ruehl; stepmother, Elaine Thoma; sisters, Kristen Wall of Clinton, CT (Jim) and Alexis Thoma of Wallingford, CT; brother, Nicholas Thoma of Wallingford, CT; and nephews Griffin and Connor Wall of Clinton, CT.
Kacey was diagnosed at birth with Cerebral Palsy, which didn’t allow her to talk or walk unassisted. Her life journey was not without its challenges, but through each obstacle, she showed us what true resilience looks like. She approached every day with bravery and strength that belied her vulnerabilities and uplifted countless others in the process.
Her smile, so full of pure joy and warmth, had the power to light up a room and lift the spirits of everyone she encountered. She loved to be immersed in nature, with fishing as one of her favorite pastimes. She also loved to go swimming. Music provided a soundtrack to her life's journey and uplifted her spirit. Some favorites that held special memories were the Beatles, Beach Boys, and the Irish tunes that her Dad played on the guitar.
Kacey's true nature was most evident in her interactions with family and friends. She was always eager to join a group gathering and spend time in the company of others. She especially enjoyed traveling by plane to visit out-of-state family members, with her closest caregiver, Carmen Carbajal, making it possible. She greatly enjoyed attending summer camps at Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT.
One of the most profound qualities of Kacey's life was her ability to find happiness in simple things. Whether it was her delight over a favorite meal, picking flowers in her mom’s garden, or her laughter at the simplest of jokes, she had an innate ability to appreciate life in its purest form. Her joy was infectious, reminding all of us to take pleasure in the everyday moments that we so often overlook. Her deep, mischievous giggle will always be remembered by her family and caregivers.
Kacey found immense fulfillment in her years at the Baroco day habilitation program in South Windham, CT. Whether it was creating a craft, playing a game with her peers and leaders or honing a new life skill, Kacey engaged with life fully and enthusiastically through this program. These activities were not just a pastime for Kacey; they were an expression of her individual gifts and kept her connected to a greater community.
Kacey's life was a testament to the beauty of a soul that shone brightly, touching lives and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those she met. Her life, though marked by challenges, was also filled with triumphs – triumphs of spirit, of love, and of the ability to inspire those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the importance of embracing life despite distinct challenges.
Thank you, Kacey, for the lessons you taught us, for the joy you brought into our lives, and for the privilege of knowing and loving you. Your spirit will continue to inspire us.
Rest in peace, sweet girl.
A private graveside service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Resurrection Cemetery in Westbrook, CT, to honor the memory of Kacey Dee Thoma. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Kacey’s memory to Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery in Springfield, IL. miniobeirne.org.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Kacey Thoma, please visit our floral store.
Read More
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kacey Thoma, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors