Let Me Introduce Myself:
I am Susan L. (Smart) Thomas born at MacDill AFB in Tampa FL in 1951.
I come from a military family. I have one older brother and two younger sisters. My father was in the Air Force for 33 years, starting out in the Army Air Corps. We moved about every three years to various Air Force bases and lived in the United States and in Europe. I graduated from Stuttgart American High School in Stuttgart Germany in 1969.
I attended American schools while we were stationed in Chateauroux and Paris France, and Stuttgart Germany. I really enjoyed that lifestyle and the chance to meet many new people in our travels and transfers. Although I was a shy young girl back in the late 60's, I credit that experience of restarting our lives every three years with my ability to be comfortable in new situations with many people I did not know.
I married my husband Jeffrey R. Thomas in 1969, while we were in Germany. He was in the Army and stationed at the same base/post; EUCOM - European Command Headquarters at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart Germany. We lived there a few months after marriage until Jeff's tour of duty was over and we flew back to Altoona PA where we began our family and lived for 17 years. We were blessed with two children, our son, Shaun (who passed away in an auto accident at age 24 in 1997) and our daughter Shannan. Shannan has given us two grandchildren, Ian and Shauna. They live in Manchester, New Hampshire.
I served as Rainbow Worthy Advisor of Stuttgart Assembly #14 in Stuttgart Germany, as did my two sisters. My parents, Cecil and Neva Smart were Mom and Dad Advisors. The Order of the Eastern Star really brought me out of my shyness when I was appointed Grand Adah of New Hampshire for 1991-1992. That was certainly a learning experience and I made many long time friendships that I cherish to this day.
My Eastern Star career started in Altoona PA when I became a member of Altair Chapter #490 in 1978. I served in various stations and served as Worthy Matron in 1984-1985. I was part of District 9-A and Patricia S. Parkes was our District Deputy. Pat has since passed way but she and Sister Lois Summers, PGM, were very instrumental in my learning years and taught me well. Some kind friends in PA notified the NH folks that an active member was moving to NH and the local Chapter was on my doorstep in Deering to check me out.
I became a member of Portia #14 in Hillsboro NH in the fall of 1985. I served several stations in Portia before becoming Worthy Matron. I served in that capacity for six years in a row. I only got to leave the East by becoming the Chapter Secretary. My Chapter is now known as Portia-Henocon-Asteria #14. I also served as Grand Representative of Arizona in NH in 1989-1991. My commission expired just before I was installed as Grand Adah as part of the Carousel Grand Family. What a wonderful year that was! My fraternal Mom, Barbara Bissell, and my fraternal Dad, Douglas Jennison, were the best parents and teachers one could have. I follow their well taught protocol to this day.
I was elected Associate Grand Conductress in Sept 1997. I served as Worthy Grand Matron for the "2001 - A Journey Through The Galaxy" session with my Number One - Bill Adams, and our very special Galaxy Voyagers Grand Family.
I was very fortunate to serve as a General Grand Chapter Committee Member on Credentials for Pat Rasmussen and Loyal Stark in 2003-2006. My travels during those years were enlightening and I enjoyed meeting so many sisters and brothers.
Being asked to serve as Worthy Grand Adah for Sister Barbara Benton and Brother Bill Owen has been a dream come true. I have always loved Adah's station since my initiation by Annabelle Dunn when she served as Star Point Adah in PA. Her rendition was engraved in my mind and I have enjoyed serving as Chapter Adah, Grand Adah and now as Worthy Grand Adah for 2006-2009
If you would just like to be informed about my programs please add your name to our Newsletter list. If you have comments, or suggestions please let Jean and Joe DeSisto know.