Emily Ann Thomas MD

November 5, 1968 - April 18, 2013

Dr. Emily Ann Thomas died April 18 at the age of 44 surrounded by her loving family. Emily is survived by her husband, Dr. Eric Hoenig, her dear twins, Jacob and Noah, and her parents, Drs. John and Mariamma Thomas. Emily was particularly close to her sisters, Susy DiCello and Louisa Thomas Parrish, with whom she shared a daily three-way phone call. She was also a beloved sister-in-law and favorite Auntie to her many nieces and nephews. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Emily met Eric as undergraduates at Case Western Reserve University. They continued together to Columbus, Ohio where they received their medical degrees at Ohio State University. They then moved to California where Emily began her career as an Internal Medicine physician. After her twins were born, Emily opened Light Touch Medical Spa in Benicia, thus fusing her medical practice with her artistic sensibilities to bring out the best in her patients. In doing so, she became an adored champion of downtown businesses and a pillar of the Benicia community. She was actively involved in the Cancer Community of Walnut Creek, deriving much strength from her support group there. Many know Emily as a walker and counted on seeing her megawatt smile around town as she trained with dog Mowgli for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk. She completed the walk in support of a friend with breast cancer and again after her own diagnosis. A memorial service and celebration of Emily’s life will be held Tuesday, April 23, 4 pm at the Jefferson Street Mansion, 1063 Jefferson Street, Benicia, CA 94510. Parking is limited and carpools are encouraged. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Ave., Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 933-0107 www.cancersupport.net; or towards a fund for a bench in her honor near the Benicia waterfront. Emily had shared with close friends that she would like to have a place along the walking trail overlooking the Carquinez Strait for her family to commune with her and with nature. Any funds remaining after the bench has been purchased will go towards a college fund for Emily's sons, Jacob and Noah. Donations can be sent to Emily Thomas Memorial Fund (c/o Eric Hoenig, 580 West I Street, Benicia, CA 94510 or directly to Bank of America with account info to follow). Please direct questions to the Passalacqua Funeral Chapel.