Laura Lee (Manser) Thomas

Laura Lee (Manser) Thomas, 79, of Somers, Connecticut, passed away on March 4, 2026, at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, one day shy of her 80th birthday.

Born on March 5, 1946, in Manasquan, New Jersey, to Robert and Patricia (Cheek) Manser, Laura was the eldest of four siblings. From a young age she took on a maternal, caretaking role within her family. The family lived on the Jersey shore until she was 16, when they moved to Connecticut. There she met her future husband, Robert Thomas.

Laura and Bob were married on June 19, 1965, in a memorable ceremony that made headlines around the world. When Laura came down with the measles and their wedding had to be canceled, the couple, still dressed in their wedding clothes, drove with a minister, maid of honor, and best man just over the town line and exchanged vows in the backseat of the car. One headline famously read, “And the Bride Wore Spots.” A year later they welcomed their daughter, Kimberly. In 1976 the family settled permanently in Enfield, Connecticut.

While raising her daughter, Laura continued her education and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1986. She worked first as a social worker and then as a psychotherapist for the rest of her career. She found deep satisfaction in helping her clients and retired only reluctantly. Laura was predeceased by her husband, Bob, in 2016, her brother William Manser, her son-in-law Jay Hein, and both of her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Kim Thomas-Hein; her grandson, Michael Hein and his wife, Amanda; her granddaughter, Jamie Velahein and her spouse, Wesley; her brothers Jim Manser and his wife, Debbie, and Andy Manser and his wife, Joyce; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Laura will be remembered for her sharp wit, her deep love for family and friends, her passion for movies and reading, her loving and competitive spirit, and especially for her dedicated work helping others.