Judith M. Faraci Thomas

Judie Thomas, 80, of Portland, wife of Larry Thomas Sr., passed away on Monday, May 16 at Hartford Hospital surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 8, 1941, in Middletown, CT, the daughter of the late Frank “Chick” Faraci Sr. and Phyllis Cistare Faraci. Judie, who lived most of her life in Middletown, graduated from MHS in 1959 and was a proud member of the cheerleading squad.

Judie was the owner of the Breakfast Club on Newfield Street, but she was best known as the owner of the Morning Scrambler on Saybrook Road. People came from all over to eat her famous corned beef hash and her wide array of homemade meals. Judie’s patrons loved her spit-fire personality, and everyone who knew her never had to wonder what she was thinking because she held nothing back. Judie was a passionate Yankees fan and always enjoyed bantering with Red Sox fans.

After retirement, Judie and her devoted husband, Larry, could be spotted anywhere in town together. Everyone could see that the love they shared was timeless.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her children, Renata Bishop Tewksbury, of Portland, Ted Bishop Sr. and his wife, Edelyn Bishop, of Knoxville, TN, and Vincent Dean Bishop and his wife, Jennifer Bishop, of Monarch Beach, CA. Judie adored all her grandchildren, Jammie, Teddy Jr., Alexis, Noah, Autumn, Derek, Trevor, and Austin. She is also survived by her niece, Amy Marotta Katz, of Westbrook, whom she had a very special relationship with. Judie will be sorely missed by many.

Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland, on Thursday, May 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 27 at 12 noon, at the Falcon’s Grove, 144 Prout Hill, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetic Association.