Catherine "Katy" Thomas

Catherine “Katy” Thomas passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024. Katy was born in Bellingham, Washington on October 14, 1941, to F.J. “Bill” and Mary Ida Herb. Katy grew up in Bellingham where she attended school at Assumption and Bellingham High. Those were wonderful years that included the family’s move to Birch Bay for the summers. Later, in Katy’s teens, the Herb family would move to Lummi Island for their summer fun. 

Katy married her husband, Jerry Thomas, and they recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. Katy and Jerry lived in Seattle for their first 10 years of marriage, during which time they welcomed their first and only child, Tara (Thomas) Vaughan, the greatest blessing of their lives. While in Seattle, Jerry earned his doctorate. The family later moved to Athens, Georgia where Jerry was a professor, and Katy developed a keen interest in antiques. The Thomas family lived in Georgia for ten years until it was time for them to return home to Bellingham.

Back in Bellingham, Katy and her friend, Bev Rydell, opened an antique shop, “The Bygone Era”. They also participated in many antique shows in the Pacific Northwest and conducted estate sales in Whatcom County.

During their golden years as a couple, Katy and Jerry were fortunate to have had the opportunity to enjoy many travels and spent their summers at their beach home on Neptune Beach.

In addition to her husband, Jerry, and daughter, Tara, Katy leaves behind her wonderful son-in-law, Dan Vaughan; her loving and caring grandchildren, Meghan Vaughan (significant other, Shaun del Rosario), Michael Vaughan (wife, Amber Kelley Vaughan), and Rachel Vaughan (significant other, Trevor Helms); six cherished siblings, Frances MacPhee, Gretchen Herb, Nancy Hutchins, Mary Ann Wasley, Nick Herb, and Rose Ann Auld; and many outstanding nieces and nephews. Many heartfelt thanks to the above-mentioned family members for their tender, loving care. Finally, sincere thanks to Susana Rangel (and daughter Melissa) and Mount Baker Care Center for their compassionate assistance.

A celebration of Katy's life will be held on Sunday, October 13th at 11:30am at Bellingham Golf & Country Club (3729 Meridian St.). She will be laid to rest at Bayview Cemetery.