Rose Marie Mantell Thomas was a medical pioneer, philanthropist, and humanitarian who co-founded St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with her husband, the actor and comedian Danny Thomas. She was also the mother of actress Marlo Thomas and producer Tony Thomas. She passed away on July 12, 2000, at the age of 86, in Beverly Hills, California. But what was the cause of her death?
A Life of Service and Charity
Rose Marie Mantell Thomas was born on March 6, 1914, in Detroit, Michigan, as Rose Marie Cassaniti. She had a singing career with her own radio show in Detroit, and was the daughter of Marie “Mary” Cassaniti, a drummer and percussionist for “Marie’s Merry Music Makers”. She married Danny Thomas on January 15, 1936, a week after his 24th birthday. They had three children: Marlo, Terre, and Tony.
Rose Marie supported her husband’s career as an entertainer, and also shared his vision of helping sick children. In 1955, they founded the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), which is the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The hospital, which opened in 1962 in Memphis, Tennessee, is dedicated to finding cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is also known for providing free treatment to children regardless of their race, religion, or ability to pay.
Rose Marie was actively involved in the hospital’s operations, serving as the secretary-treasurer of ALSAC and the vice president of the hospital’s board of governors. She also visited the hospital regularly and interacted with the patients and their families. She was known for her compassion, generosity, and kindness.
A Legacy of Love and Hope
Rose Marie Mantell Thomas died of an undisclosed cause on July 12, 2000, at her home in Beverly Hills, California. She was surrounded by her family and friends. She was buried next to her husband, who had died in 1991, at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
Her death was mourned by many people, especially the staff and patients of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She was remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and as a remarkable woman who made a difference in the lives of millions of children.
Her legacy lives on through her children, who continue to support the hospital and its mission. Marlo Thomas, who is the national outreach director of St. Jude, said of her mother: “She was the heart and soul of our family and the co-founder of St. Jude. She taught us that all children belong to all of us.”
According to the St. Jude website, Rose Marie Mantell Thomas’ motto was: “There are two types of people in this world: the givers and the takers. The takers sometimes eat better, but the givers always sleep better.”
She was a giver who left a lasting impact on the world.
: According to IMDb: According to St. Jude
