Meryl Beth Thomas, 76, of Dania Beach, Florida, passed away in the comfort of her home July 17, 2024, after a difficult battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Meryl was born March 30, 1948, in Miami Beach, Florida, to Harriette and Joseph Stone.
She relocated to New York with her parents until she was eight years old, then returned to south Florida. She is survived by her loving husband, Larry Thomas, her daughter Leslie Ritacco, her grandchildren David Yuste (Basha), Angela Aquino (Miguel), Marina Ritacco, Stephanie Yuste, and Gianna Ritacco, as well as her great-grandchildren, Santana, Grayson, Kamora, Jace and Roman, her cousin Sarajo Falk (Harry), her best friend of 67 years, Judy Kaplan, her siblings; sister Bonny Natale Freese and her brothers Brian Hicks and Bruce Hicks. She is predeceased by her parents Harriette and Joseph, her daughter Jennifer Lynn Landry, and her birth mother Charlotte Palmer Ramsey.
Meryl loved traveling to the mountains, primarily Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee areas with her husband. She also loved attending fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains, staying in log cabins, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Meryl enjoyed spending time with her daughter Leslie, shopping and eating at their favorite restaurants together. Meryl took great pride in being a grandparent, treasuring time spent with her grandchildren and loved being called “Grammy”. Meryl was truly happiest surrounded by her husband, family, and friends spending quality time and making memories together. Meryl referred to herself as the “family historian” due to her passion for documenting significant family moments and creating yearly photo albums of her family. She loved God and extended his love to everyone.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM with Funeral Service at 9:30 AM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel. Interment will follow at Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery.
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery
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Meryl (Murt) was a dear friend of my youth. May her memory be a blessing & her spirit joyful.
July 28, 2024, 5:39 pm
Meryl (m
Leslie Ritacco
July 29, 2024, 11:42 pm
Ma, I will love and miss you forever. Thank you for being my best friend.
Love, Leonardi
Tyler Nagy (O'Brien)
August 2, 2024, 12:29 pm
Meryl, you were the kindest and most loving person. Your smile lit up a room. I will forever remember your laugh and how you welcomed me with open arms. Fly free beautiful angel.