James Thomas (1863-1932) and Bridget Kennedy (c1864-1939), Death Certificates

James, fourth child, died of acute dilation of the heart, or a heart attack, at home.  He had had a cerebral hemorrhage on August 12, 1930, nearly two years prior to his death.  The informant on the death certificate is his son, John Thomas, who was living with his father at 5725 S. Fairfield Avenue, Chicago.  James had been a superintendent of a cold storage meat packing company.  His son provided the information that James' parents were from County Limerick, Ireland.

Bridget Kennedy Thomas died June 13, 1939 at her home located at 5725 S. Fairfield, Chicago.  Three weeks before her death, she fell in her kitchen, fracturing her left hip.  She had a history of myocarditis.   Her son, John Thomas, is the informant on her death certificate.  At the time of her death he was living on S. Ellis Avenue and most likely married.  Even though her death certificate states her birthday was January 22, 1875, I believe she was born 1864.  She is the baptismal sponsor for her nephew, Alexander Sullivan, in 1880.  It is unlikely she was a godparent and only 5 years old. She is buried with her husband at Holy Sepulchre, Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Bridget Thomas [nee Kennedy], beloved wife of the late James, darling mother of John and Patrick, sister of Mrs. Ellen O'Leary, Mrs. John Kennedy, and the late Patrick, Mrs. Thomas O'Shea, Winifred and Cornelius Kennedy.  Funeral Saturday, 9:30 a.m., from late residence 5725 S. Fairfield avenue, to St. Clare of Montefalco church, 55th and Talman.  Solemn requiem mass will be celebrated.  Interment Holy Sepulcher. Information, Haymarket 0365.  Chicago Tribune, June 16, 1939.

The grave markers are side-by-side at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.  Bridget's prayer card was located in Nell Sullivan's missal.

Images courtesy: Elaine M. Beaudoin