Obituary of Patricia Marie Thomas

Patricia Marie Thomas (Tashiyo Takan Wakan Win), age 67 of Santee passed away on Sunday, August 02, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at the Oyate Oyanke Community Center, Santee, with Rick and Ron Thomas officiating. Visitations began at 7 PM, Sunday and continue until the time of the service. Prayer services are being held at Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7 PM at the Oyate Oyanke Community Center in Santee. Cremation to follow the funeral service with a burial to be held at a later date. The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting with the arrangements. Patricia Marie Thomas was born September 15, 1947 to Albert Thomas and Linda (Lawrence) Thomas in Winnebago, NE. She attended Niobrara Public School and graduated May 1966 after graduating she left for California where she received an Associate Degree as a secretary. Sister has lived in New Mexico, Minnesota, South Dakota, and made her home in Nebraska. She made the Dean's List in 2004 and during her education, she had a GPA of 3.50 and 3.74, where Sister was recognized as graduating cum laude. She also received a certificate of Training in Indian Child Welfare in 2005. She attended the Nebraska Indian Community College and received an Associate Degree of Arts in May 2006. In 2011, Sister received an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services. Sister received a certificate of Completion in Strengthening Families Program and Mental Health First Aid USA in 2012. During the last few months, she was the director at the Santee Sioux Nutrition program. She loved working with all of the Elders of the community. Sister was seen as always wanting to help everyone. Sister is survived by her companion, William White, her daughter, Gena (Fred) LaDeaux of Sioux City, IA; sons, Leo (Deborah) Chinana of Wisconsin, Jamie Chinana of Santee, and Wambdi Nupa White of Santee; brothers, Richard Thomas of Bloomfield and Ron (Thelma) Thomas of Bloomfield; sister, Martha (JC) Campbell of Santee and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Linda Thomas; brothers, Daniel, Gary, George and sister, Dawn. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.