Miriam “Mim” Thomas Obituary

Miriam “Mim” Thomas (née Isleib, formerly Spencer), an adventurous world traveler, skilled quilter, beloved wife, and cherished great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, in Redmond, Washington, at the age of 91.

Born March 19, 1933, in Middletown, Connecticut, Mim lived a vibrant life defined by creativity, exploration, and craftsmanship. In 1953, she married George Simergalis and welcomed two sons—Lloyd (1956) and Douglas (1958).

In 1969, Mim and George founded House of 1800, a specialty gift shop in Glen Cove, Maine that became a regional destination. Their establishment showcased handcrafted gifts, European imports, and seasonal decorations from around the world—West Germany, Sweden, Norway, the USSR, Mexico, and artisans throughout the United States, particularly Maine.

In 1980, Mim married Edward Miller, beginning a significant chapter in both her personal and professional life. Together, they built a successful CRM business consulting service for doctors and dentists across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Their partnership combined Mim’s creativity and Ed’s technical expertise, serving healthcare professionals throughout Northern New England until Ed’s passing in 1993.  

A passionate globe-trotter who embraced budget travel long before it became trendy, Mim explored Mexico, Venezuela, Czechoslovakia, China, Russia, New Zealand, and Wales. Among her most meaningful experiences was participating in the restoration of a Russian Orthodox church in Saint Petersburg, where she contributed to preserving its historic architecture.

For decades, quilting remained Mim’s artistic passion. She meticulously selected fabrics and created intricate patterns, crafting beautiful quilts that showcased her exceptional eye for color and detail. Whether creating heirlooms for family, gifts for friends, or pieces for community projects, Mim approached each work with precision and deep appreciation for tradition.

In 2010, Mim married Ed Thomas, beginning a chapter filled with joy, laughter, and shared adventures. Together they explored Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and their beloved Maine, building a relationship founded on mutual respect and unwavering support. Their bond remained strong until Ed’s passing in 2023, a loss Mim faced with characteristic grace.

Mim is survived by her siblings – Gordon and Christine Isleib, Priscilla and Joe Mollick; her sons and daughters-in-law – Lloyd and Amy Spencer, Douglas and Monika Spencer; four grandchildren — Elspeth Spencer, Priam Spencer, Peter Finn, and Ellie Spencer; and four great-grandchildren — Kaitlyn, Alex, Mary, and Caroline Finn.

To honor Mim’s memory, her family encourages those who knew her to explore the world, embrace history, and support artisans—continuing the values she embodied throughout her extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Quiltmakers of Olympia, where Mim was an active member for over a decade: https://www.quiltmakersofolympia.com

She will be remembered by her many relatives, friends and fellow travelers whose lives she touched with her creativity, warmth, and adventurous spirit.