WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Sally Ann (Bernier) Thomas, age 83 of Waterbury, shares the news of her peaceful passing on Saturday, January 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home. She was the widow of David Thomas.

Sally was born on July 22, 1942 in Waterbury Connecticut, the beloved daughter of the late Henry Roland and Helen (Quinlan) Bernier. A lifelong resident of Waterbury, she graduated from Sacred Heart High School and later worked at the Uniroyal of Naugatuck. She dedicated much of her working life to helping others. After moving to Texas in 1977, she built a career as a teacher's aide supporting children with special needs. Upon returning to Connecticut in 1986, she continued her service-driven career with Easter Seals and later Community Options, where she worked for many years before retiring.

A woman of the Catholic faith and quiet resilience, Sally carried her beliefs into her daily life through compassion, service, and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and generosity that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Sally was known for her nurturing spirit and her rare ability to take others under her wing. She offered love, support, guidance, and, when needed, tough love. To many, she was more than "Gram" - she was a second mother, a source of comfort and wisdom, and a safe place to land. She holds a special place in countless hearts. She found joy in life's simple pleasures, including spending time with family, attending basketball games, crocheting, ice skating at Fulton Park, and sharing quiet Sunday afternoons watching classic westerns with her father. Above all, Sally was famously known for her homemade meatballs - a labor of love that brought family together time and time again.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Juniper Home Care, Day Break Adult Services, and Trinity Health Care Hospice for their compassion, care, and support during Sally's final chapter.

Sally Ann Thomas will be remembered for her strength, her faith, her open heart, and the countless lives she touched. Her love lives on through the many people she helped shape, guide, and protect - a legacy that will never fade.

Sally was a devoted mother and is survived by her daughters; Cynthia Byron and Janet Byron, both of Waterbury. She was a cherished grandmother to Stephanie Byron, Rebecca Berlanga, Joshua Byron, Michele Chapman (Glyn), Steven Byron, Andre Hoffler Jr., Alissa Byron, and Philip Arnold Jr., all of Waterbury. She was also the proud great-grandmother of sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Bernier (Lynn), along with a niece, a nephew, and many extended family members who were blessed to know her love, guidance, and steady presence. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Thomas; her brothers, Thomas Bernier and Jeffery Bernier; and two of her children, Michele Byron and John Byron Jr., all of Waterbury.

Prayer services for Mrs. Thomas will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of her family. All who loved her are welcome to attend and pay their final respects to Sally and her family on Thursday evening from 5:00 until the service starts at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to send a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. To send a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com.