Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Thomas Lam

Mary Elizabeth Thomas Lam passed away peacefully at 94 years of age on April 4, 2022. She was born in Portland, Oregon on July 12, 1927 as the very beloved daughter of Chase and Elizabeth Thomas who nicknamed her Ladybug. Mary grew up in Portland and Amity, Oregon. She attended Willamette University and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Education. Mary was a devoted lifelong member of the Episcopal Church and she was a proud member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Mayflower Society.

Mary is survived by her 3 children, Dan (Malyn), Tim and Abby (Joe Santos); 7 grandchildren, Jason (Alexis), Greg, Teddy, Chase (Skyla), Joey, Carly, Kacie; and 2 great grandchildren, Skye and Angus. Her brother, Dr. Denison Thomas, lives in Prineville, Oregon and Mary loved her nephews and nieces, Greg, Dana, Martha and Laura. Mary was happily married to Marvin B. Lam, Hoquiam and Cape Flattery School District Superintendent, who passed away before her in 2009. She very much enjoyed her relationship with her stepson, Bradford Lam of Sierra Vista, AZ and her step grandchildren, Jessica and Julie (Jason), and their families. Mary adored her entire family and in return was so adored by them. 

Mary taught high school English and Home Economics at Franklin HS in Portland, Oregon. She also taught in Raymond, North River, R.A Long HS (Longview) and Forks, WA. She  created and taught many night classes including sewing, knitting, tailoring and needlepoint to the delight of the many who signed up for her classes. She loved collecting beautiful fabrics, clothes, jewelry, antiques, dishes, colors and brightness. Ebay opened up a whole new world for her! She loved her treasures, and even when her family held garage sales to help her downsize (a large endeavor) she would sneak over to the sales and remove items from the tables. Mary loved entertaining for family and friends and decorating for all the seasons. Playing bridge, joining clubs and creating friendships everywhere she went were some of her legacies. Together, she and Marvin traveled the world, and spent hours on their boat fishing or just riding along with friends and sharing the sunset in Ocean Shores together.  She happily sat in the truck collecting her razor clam limit. She never wanted to be a burden to anyone and one of her favorite lines was, “just tell me where to stand and where to sit”. 

A family memorial will be planned for July in Amity, Oregon where she and Marvin were laid to rest in the family cemetery beside her parents, grandparents and many other members of the family of which she was so proud to be a part. She is so missed by her family and was such a precious gift and example to us. “Be good until the next time I see you”.  

Memorials may be made to the See Ya Later Foundation   www.seeyalater.org