George Richard Thomas
George Richard Thomas, 82, a 16-year resident of Ajijic, has passed away.
Born in Patterson, New Jersey, Thomas lived most of his life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His love of learning led him to pursue degrees in engineering, business, and a Ph.D. in philosophy. He worked at Westinghouse Electric for 30 years.
Thomas retired to Naples, Florida at age 57, intending to play golf full time. That was short lived as he became involved in volunteerism, working for SCORE, an organization that helped people begin small businesses. He also taught at Florida State University and graduate business courses.
Along the way he met and married Laucretia. Together they were Guardian Ad Litem advocates and represented many children in court.
In 2000, they decided to search for a new life adventure and within three days of arriving in Ajijic for a visit, they had purchased a home in Las Salvias.
Thomas loved his home, the weather, the views and the local population. He adopted dogs and cats and became a special patron to the children of Villa Infantil. His most satisfying accomplishment was his scholarship program that allowed children to attend private schools in Jocotepec.
Thomas and his wife were nominated for the outstanding couple of the year award for their contribution to the community.
Thomas loved to travel – Ireland and Maui were his favorite places – and belonged to one of Bollie’s famous luncheon groups. He also had his breakfast at Salvador’s special table where countless hours were enjoyed discussing and solving the problems of the world. His personal pleasures were painting, clay sculpture and playing his guitar.
Thomas was kind, generous and thoughtful to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Laucretia, her family, his three sons, a brother and all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 20 at the home of Tom Shirley. Call 766-2046 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
Margaret Eva Rogers
Margaret (Maggie) Eva Rogers died June 27 in Guadalajara, her home for more than 40 years.
Born March 20, 1936 in Impington, Cambridgeshire, England, Rogers studied at the University of London before emigrating in 1961 to Toronto, Canada, where she worked as an elementary school teacher. After getting married in 1965, she and her Mexican husband moved back and forth between Toronto and Guadalajara, before finally settling in the City of the Roses in 1973.
While raising two daughters, Rogers worked as a teacher at the Instituto Anglo Mexicano in Guadalajara for 20 years from 1976 to 1996.
An avid reader who enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, Rogers had a special fondness for animals. She was a regular attendee at social gatherings of British residents in Guadalajara, often hosting the monthly events.
Her daughter Margo describes Rogers as “a wonderful person, smart and easy to talk to, kind and patient … a wonderful mother and grandmother who will be sorely missed.”
She is survived by daughters Anna Gillian Fernandez and Margo Fernandez, grandsons Richard, Sebastian and Claudio, and Jorge Fernandez (spouse).
James John Donnelly
James John Donnelly died July 2, after an arduous year-long battle with cancer.
Born July 11, 1939, in New Brunswick, Canada, Donnelly was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
While on his way to Costa Rica in 1994, Donnelly stopped off in Ajijic, liked what he saw and stayed.
He soon became involved with Lakeside Little Theatre, and enjoyed being in many of their shows over the years.
He met his partner Shelley in 2000. He liked to play golf and tennis, and was a keen fisherman, often coming home with a large catch.
As well as Shelley, Donnelly is survived by his 100-year-old mother, three sons in New Brunswick, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family thanks Alicia and her crew for the outstanding care that Donnelly received over the last few months.
There will be an open house at Mision Chula Vista, at Libramiento 92, on Saturday, July 23, from 3-5 p.m. for friends who would like to raise a glass to Donnelly.