Jean M. Thomas, 81, of South River, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at St. Peter's Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert William, and her devoted son, Robert Richard. She is survived by her loving family, her caring sons, Gary, Brian (Veta), and Kevin(Sue) and her daughter and chief confidante, Susan(Bill). She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Richie, Heather, and Hayley, Brian Stephen and Stephanie, and Kevin and Julia. Jean is also survived by her sister Eleanor and several nieces and nephews. Jean Marie nee Burek was born in the New Boston "patch" of Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Mahanoy Township High School where she was captain of the cheerleading squad and class treasurer. Go Purple Larks! After high school, Jean and Bob, daughter and son of coal miners, moved to New Jersey to start and raise the Thomas family. They resided in Milltown for eight years before making South River their permanent home for 55 years. Jean, while raising her family of five, had a successful part time retail sales career. She first worked for several years at W. T. Grant's in East Brunswick. She followed that employment by working as a sales associate for 26 years at Bamberger's/Macy's in East Brunswick where she was the Queen of the Housewares Department. Jean was the ultimate renaissance woman. She possessed a wonderful, infectious sense of humor. She loved fashion, shopping, decorating and music. She was a voracious reader, a Jeopardy savant, and conquered the New York Times crossword puzzle daily. She, like the rest of the Thomas household, was also a diehard Rutgers fan. She enjoyed the Shore and many family vacations at LBI. Most of all, Jean's greatest love and joy were her children and especially her adoring grandchildren, or as she fondly noted, her, "Little Chickadees". Weekends and holidays at the Thomas household were a sight to behold with Jean presiding over her flock. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. There is no formal in lieu of flowers request because frankly, Jean loved flowers. The more the merrier! Just not lilies. She does not like lilies. However, Jean was also a warm, friendly, caring, and compassionate soul. One of her favorite charities was the South River Food Bank, if anyone feels so inclined in remembrance. Funeral Services will be private in accordance with Jean's and the family's wishes. Arrangements under the direction and care of Rezem Funeral Home, 457 Cranbury Road East Brunswick, NJ 08816. If you wish to send any flowers, please have them delieverd to the Funeral Home no later that Wednesday 6/22 before 4pm.