Eleanor Constance Thomas

Eleanor Constance Thomas departed this life on March 8, 2022. She was the daughter of Ernest Constantine Lawrence and Elizabeth (Swain) Lawrence. Eleanor was born on September 3, 1948, in Waterbury, CT.

Eleanor eventually relocated to New Haven, CT where she spent the rest of her life. Eleanor was known for being a reserved and dignified woman who was a formidable listener and giver. She adored her family, especially her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews. Anyone who knew her well would be familiar with her sense of humor and her wisdom. She was a modern woman (keeping current with the latest technology; news; health products; and style), a go-getter, a bit of a diva, and a simple woman at the same time. Until the day of her demise, Eleanor worked as a licensed massage therapist at Saybrook Point Inn and often commented on how much she learned from her clients. She even dreamed of writing a book entitled “What I Learned on the Table” highlighting the unique experiences that she had while working there.

Eleanor was generous with her spare time and could talk to her loved ones for hours. She frequently spoke of the warm relationships she had with many of her nieces and nephews as well as her siblings. Because of her love for family, she was known for giving the perfect gift, the result of careful planning and inside knowledge about the person. Her other love was her home which was a place that she developed into a comfortable and stylish abode. She continued to make plans for home improvement and decorating as she thought optimistically about her future.

Eleanor is survived by her children Marlin Lawrence and his wife, Monica of New Haven, CT; Melissa Mokel and her husband, Mk of West Hartford, CT; Maxwell Brown and his wife Courtney of Laurel, MD; and Marie-Elena Brown of New Haven, CT. Her grandchildren Cameron Lawrence, Sydney Mokel, Caryn Lawrence, Enuma Mokel, Emmanuel Mokel, Sophia Brown, and Christian Brown. Siblings Henson Lawrence of Waterbury, CT; Dennis Lawrence of Jamaica; Portia Lawrence of Atlanta, GA; Jennifer Hughes of New Haven, CT; Ernest Lawrence Blue and partner Priscilla of Waterbury, CT; Earl Lawrence and his wife, Delores of Waterbury, CT. Close family friend, Patty Murphy of Wolcott, CT. Eleanor also has a host of nieces and nephews who she always remembered in thought and deed – Royal, Tallee, Trevor, Mariya, Randy, Tashanna, Altia, Jamil, AJ, Elizabeth (Bizzy), Markecia, Casey, Chet, Kaylynn, and Eva. She was predeceased by her parents, Ernest, and Elizabeth Lawrence; her siblings Russell Lawrence, Linda Brooks, and Darcy Jacob; and a son, Mark Brown.

A Celebration of Eleanor’s life will be held on Saturday March 19, 2022, at Colonial Funerals, 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden at 11am. Viewing in Colonial from 10-11am. To see the Funeral Services on Zoom, please Click Here https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89241690301?pwd=em9qK1NYaU5maU1jK2lHdjB5aitPQT09 To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the family encourages people to watch and observe the funeral through Zoom,  all necessary protocols, including capacity reductions are in effect. Condolences may be expressed at www.colonialfunerals.com.